Government of New South Wales facts for kids
Emblem of the New South Wales Government and its agencies
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Coat of arms of the State of New South Wales, used for formal and ceremonial purposes.
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| Formation |
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| Australian state | New South Wales |
| Website | http://www.nsw.gov.au/ |
| Legislative branch | |
| Legislature | Parliament of New South Wales; |
| Meeting place | Parliament House |
| Executive branch | |
| Main organ | New South Wales Ministry |
| Leader | Premier |
| Appointer | Governor |
| Meeting place | Parliament House |
| Judicial branch | |
| Court | Supreme Court |
| Seat | Sydney |
The Government of New South Wales (or NSW Government) is like the main team that runs the state of New South Wales in Australia. It's a special type of government called a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. This means it has a parliament (like a big meeting place for lawmakers) and also a King or Queen, though their power is limited by a constitution. The NSW Government started way back in 1856.
Since 1901, when Australia became a country (this was called the Federation of Australia), New South Wales became one of its states. The Constitution of Australia explains how NSW works with the main Australian Government. NSW gave some of its law-making and court powers to the Australian Government. However, it kept powers for things not covered by the main Australian laws. If a state law and a federal law clash, the federal law usually wins.
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How the NSW Government Works
New South Wales uses a system of government called the Westminster system. This system is based on how the government works in the United Kingdom. It divides power into three main parts: making laws, carrying out laws, and judging laws.
Making Laws: The Parliament
The job of making laws belongs to the Parliament of New South Wales. This Parliament has two main parts, like two teams working together.
- The Crown: This is represented by the Governor of New South Wales. The Governor is the King or Queen's representative in NSW.
- The Legislative Council: This is the "upper house" of the Parliament. It reviews laws made by the other house.
- The Legislative Assembly: This is the "lower house." Most new laws start here. Members of this house are elected by the people of NSW.
Carrying Out Laws: The Executive
The job of carrying out the laws is done by the Executive Council. This group includes the Governor and senior government ministers.
- The Governor: The Governor has the formal power, but usually acts on the advice of the Premier and the Cabinet.
- The Premier: The Premier of New South Wales is the leader of the government. They are usually the head of the political party that has the most members in the Legislative Assembly.
- The Cabinet: This is a group of senior ministers chosen by the Premier. They help make important decisions and run different government departments.
The Premier and other ministers are chosen by the Governor. They stay in their jobs as long as they have the support of most members in the Legislative Assembly.
Judging Laws: The Courts
The job of judging laws and making sure they are followed is done by the courts.
- Supreme Court of New South Wales: This is the highest court in NSW. It handles serious cases and appeals.
- Other Courts: There are also many other courts that deal with different types of cases.
It's important to know that the High Court of Australia and other federal courts have the final say on matters that are covered by the Australian Constitution.
Pledge of Loyalty
In 2006, something important happened. The law was changed so that members of the NSW Parliament and ministers now take a special promise. Instead of promising loyalty to the Queen, they promise loyalty to Australia and the people of New South Wales. This change was made to show their dedication to the state and country.
