Government of South Australia

The form of the Government of South Australia is prescribed in its constitution, which dates from 1856, although it has been amended many times since then. Since 1901 South Australia has been a state of the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Australian Constitution regulates its relationship with the Commonwealth.

Under the Australian Constitution, South Australia ceded certain legislative and judicial powers to the Commonwealth, but retained complete independence in all other areas. In practice, however, the independence of the Australian states has been greatly eroded by the increasing financial domination of the Commonwealth.

South Australia is governed according to the principles of the Westminster system, a form of parliamentary government based on the model of the United Kingdom. Legislative power rests with the Parliament of South Australia, which consists of the Crown, represented by the Governor of South Australia, and the two Houses, the South Australian Legislative Council and the South Australian House of Assembly, with legislative elections held every four years.

Executive power rests formally with the Executive Council, which consists of the Governor and senior ministers. In practice executive power is exercised by the Premier of South Australia and the Cabinet, who are appointed by the Governor, but who hold office by virtue of their ability to command the support of a majority of members of the House of Assembly.

Judicial power is exercised by the Supreme Court of South Australia and a system of subordinate courts, but the High Court of Australia and other federal courts have overriding jurisdiction on matters which fall under the ambit of the Australian Constitution.

Contents

Government Departments

There are 14 separate Departments within the government of South Australia's public service.

Auditor-General's Department

Auditor-General's Department provides the Parliament and public sector entities with independent professional opinions on matters related to financial management, compliance with legislative requirements.

Department for Environment and Natural Resources

Main article: Department for Environment and Natural Resources (South Australia)

Department for Families and Communities

The Department for Families and Communities works with people who may be poor, vulnerable, at risk of harm or isolated, to connect them to choices and opportunities:

Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure

The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has responsibilities in relation to transport system and services, energy policy and regulation, and infrastructure planning for South Australia:

Department of Education and Children's Services

Main article: Department of Education and Children's Services

The Department of Education and Children's Services delivers and coordinates children's services and schooling.

Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology

The Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology develops the State's workforce, skills base and learning opportunities. And developing science research and information economy opportunities:

Department of Health

The Department of Health is responsible for protecting and improving health by providing leadership in health reform, policy development and planning:

Department of Justice

Department of Justice the coordinating entity for the provision of justice services to the community and Government of South Australia.

Department of Planning and Local Government

Department of Planning and Local Government is responsible for guiding and administering the South Australian Planning and Development Assessment System:[1].

Department of Primary Industries & Resources

Department of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia is an agency for economic development and ensuring the sustainable development of the State's natural resources[3]

Department of the Premier and Cabinet

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet delivers policy advice and support to the Premier and Ministers, provides direction and leadership to the SA Public Sector, and drives key Government initiatives across a range of services.

Department of Trade and Economic Development

The Department of Trade and Economic Development is the South Australian Government’s agency for economic and industry development policy.

Department of Treasury and Finance

Department of Treasury and Finance provides economic, policy and financial advice to the Government, manages the whole of Government financial management processes, including preparation of the State Budget, and provides finance-related services across Government.

Department for Water

The Department for Water is the lead agency at the State level for the policy, management and administration of the State's water resources.

References

  1. ^ Department of Planning and Local Government
  2. ^ Office for the Southern Suburbs
  3. ^ Department of Planning and Local Government
  4. ^ PIRSA, Primary Industries and Resources SA, pir.sa.gov.au

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