What traditions guide how the government works?

Many features of how the Australian Government works are not included in the Australian Constitution; they are based on custom and tradition – convention. Many of these conventions come from the British Parliament.   

Conventions that guide how the Government works include:  

• Formation of government Government is formed by the party, or coalition of parties, that has the support of the majority of members in the House of Representatives. 
• Prime Minister The Prime Minister is the leader of the government. The Prime Minister is chosen by a vote of the members of the party in government and has the power to choose other members of the government for important roles.  
• Treasurer The Treasurer is always a member of the House because the Budget can only be introduced in the House and not the Senate. 
• Cabinet Cabinet is the top decision making group in the government. It is expected all members of Cabinet will publicly support Cabinet decisions.  
• Governor General The Governor-General is a part of both the Parliament and the government, and represents the King. Some of the powers available to the Governor General are guided by tradition. 

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The Australian Constitution in focus

System of government

Government