Federal Elections
Australian Federal Election is the process of electing a legislature called the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia which is composed of two Houses: the House of Representatives (the Lower House) and the Senate (the Upper House).
Who am I electing?
You vote at a Federal election to choose people to represent you in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Australia is branched into 150 House of Representatives sectors, with each one having one member. Of these, 37 representatives are elected by Victorian voters to serve for a term of up to three years.
Victorian voters, take note:
At every Federal election, Victorian voters also elect six out twelve Victorian Senators to serve for six years. In specific circumstances, there is as a double dissolution of the Parliament, wherein all twelve Victorian Senators are set for election at the same time.
Why vote?
It is an important social duty to participate in Australian elections, particularly in the Federal election because the Federal government makes resolutions about issues that shape the lives of all Australians. It is responsible for the:
- Foreign policy
- National economy
- Social services such as family support and pensions
- Defense
- Immigration
- Trade and commerce
- Funding for health and Medicare
- Post-secondary education
Voting is compulsory. If you are enrolled to vote, you must vote in a Federal election. If you neglect to do so without sufficient reason, you may be fined. The 2004 Federal Election saw an enrolled voter turnout of 94%.
