Who does what? A plain guide to Australia's three levels of government

When a pothole needs fixing or a school zone needs a crossing, the first question is often the hardest one: who is actually responsible? Australia has three levels of government, and each one looks after different parts of daily life.

Federal: issues that affect all Australians

The Australian Parliament in Canberra handles national matters. The Parliamentary Education Office lists examples such as post, telephones and the internet, money, immigration and defence.

State and territory: services close to home

Australia has six state and two territory parliaments. They look after issues that affect people in their own state or territory, including public transport, schools, hospitals and policing.

Local councils: your street and neighbourhood

There are more than 550 local councils across the country, also called shires or municipalities. They manage things such as rubbish collection and recycling, parks, sports fields and swimming pools, pet control and parking.

Where it gets complicated

Responsibilities sometimes overlap. The Constitution lists areas the federal Parliament can make laws about, and in other areas, such as education, health and water management, federal and state governments share responsibility. If a state law and a federal law conflict, the federal law overrides the state law.

Why it matters

Knowing which level is responsible means your question, complaint or idea goes to the people who can act on it. A quick check of a council, state or federal website before you write, call or visit can save weeks of being passed around.