The Australian Constitution

The Australian Constitution is the set of rules by which Australia is run. It describes the structure, role and powers of the Australian Parliament, and sets out how the Australian and state parliaments share the power to make laws. It also details the roles of the executive government and the High Court of Australia.

View or listen to the full text of the Australian Constitution here. Below you will also find supplementary information.

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Covering clauses
Chapter I

The Parliament

The Parliament and how it can use its powers
Chapter II

The Executive Government

The role of the King, the Governor-General and ministers
Chapter III

The Judicature

The role of the courts
Chapter IV

Finance and Trade

How government is to manage money and do business with state governments
Chapter V

The States

The rights and powers of the States
Chapter VI

New States

How new Australian States can be formed
Chapter VII

Miscellaneous

The location of the National Capital and other issues
Chapter VIII

Alteration of the Constitution

How the Constitution can be changed
Schedule