All Australians who are eligible to vote choose people to represent them at three levels of government:

• federal
• state/territory
• local.

Each level of government is run by a democratically elected parliament or council made up of representatives elected by the people and each has different areas of responsibility in making decisions for all of us. In Australia voting is not only a right but also a duty, it is compulsory to vote and you may be fined if you do not.

After a federal/state election the political party, or coalition of parties, which has the most members elected becomes the governing party. To remain in office a state or federal government must keep the support of a majority of Members in the Lower House.