General
Who is Australia’s Prime Minister?
Anthony Albanese
In Parliament, what is a bill?
A proposed law.
True of false:
If a State law conflicts with a federal law, the federal law takes priority.
True.
Section 109 of the Australian Constitution says that federal law takes priority over state law.
What is a treaty?
What is the highest court in Australia?
The High Court of Australia.
Who is the Premier of Queensland?
Davis Crisafulli
What must happen to a bill before it can become a law?
Passed by: the House of Representatives, Senate and signed by the Governor-General.
Provide 1 example of something the Federal government is responsible for.
You could have said… Immigration, ADF, foreign affairs, social security, industrial relations, trade, currency.
Which major international treaty is Australia a signatory to that addresses climate change?
The Paris Agreement.
What is the difference between a civil and a criminal case?
A criminal case involves the government prosecuting someone accused of committing a crime, while a civil case involves disputes between individuals or organisations over rights, contracts, or damages.
What is the role of the Australian Constitution?
The Australian Constitution outlines the structure of government, defines the powers of the federal and state governments, and establishes key institutions like Parliament and the High Court.
True or False?
Bills can only be introduced first in the House of Representatives.
False.
Bills can start in the Senate, except for money and taxation bills.
Provide 3 examples of what the State Government is responsible for.
You could have said: education, health, transport, police, housing, environment.
How does AUstralia implement treaties into its domestic law?
After a treaty is signed, it must be ratified by the Australian Parliament before it becomes part of domestic law.
What is the role of the High Court of Australia in interpreting the Constitution?
The High Court has the power to interpret the Australian Constitution, resolving disputes about its meaning and ensuring laws comply with constitutional principles.
What are 4 ways citizens in Queensland can participate in democracy beyond voting?
You could have said…
Joining political parties, attending public meetings, writing to their elected representatives, participating in protests,
A bill introduced by a member of parliament who is not a minister is known as a…
Private member’s bill.
Why is it important to have three levels of government in Australia?
Ensures that national, regional and local needs are effectively addressed.
What is the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)?
What does it protect?When did Australia ratify it?
How does it affect Australia?
The ICCPR is a treaty adopted by the United Nations to protect civil and political rights, including freedom of speech, right to a fair trial, and freedom from torture.
Australia ratified it in 1980.
It influences Australian law and policy on human rights, including the protection of individual freedoms.
What is the Court of Appeal in Queensland, and what type of cases does it hear?
The Court of Appeal in Queensland is part of the Supreme Court and hears appeals from the District and Magistrates' Courts. It deals with both criminal and civil appeals and has the authority to review decisions made by lower courts.
What is the role of the High Court of Australia?
The High Court interprets the Constitution, resolves disputes between states or between individuals and the government, and hears appeals on significant legal matters.
How many members must vote for the proposal for it to pass?
A majority of everyone voting.
Explain the roles and responsibilities of each level of government in Australia (federal, state and local) and give examples of each.
State/Territory: education, health, transport, law enforcement (public hospitals, schools and police).
Local: community needs, local roads, parks and libraries (rubbish collection, park maintenance).
True or false:
Australia automatically incorporates international treaty obligations into domestic law without the need for parliamentary approval.
Explain your response
False - international treaties do not automatically become part of domestic law. They must be ratified by the Australian parliament and require specific legislation to be implemented into domestic law.
What are the different types of jurisdiction in the Australian court system, and how does they differ?
Hint: Original and appellate.
In the Australian court system, original jurisdiction refers to a court's authority to hear a case for the first time, while appellate jurisdiction involves hearing appeals from lower courts. The High Court has both, while lower courts primarily have original jurisdiction.