Having started out as a collection of British colonies, of which New South Wales was the first, by 1901 there were six such self-governing States that got together and formed a Federation that would also become the Commonwealth of Australia, as a constitutional monarchy under the British crown. Australia today is a democracy with a Westminster style of government and a bi-cameral system, with two Chambers, the Senate or Upper House, and the House of Representatives, or Lower House. Elections are held every three years, for the House of Representatives, with one due on November 24, 2007. Senate elections are held within certain periods as prescribed by the Constitution.

Political power is held mostly by the two major parties, Labour, and Liberal (which often shares in power with the National Party, which is essentially one of rural or agrarian interests, also conservative). There are several other smaller parties, mostly of minor importance even if at times also able to influence either of the two major ones.

Further, more detailed information about the State governments is available on their own websites, which follow below:

New South Wales - The Hon. Morris Iemma, BEc, LLB MP - Premier

Victoria - The Hon. John Brumby, MP - Premier

Queensland - The Hon. Anna Bligh, MP - Premier

South Australia - The Hon. Mike Rann, MP - Premier

Western Australia - The Hon. Alan Carpenter, MP - Premier

Tasmania - The Hon. Paul Lennon, MP - Premier

Northern Territory - The Hon. Clare Martin, MLA - Chief Minister

Australian Capital Territory - The Hon. Jon Stanhope - Chief Minister