Government responsibility matrix
Good policy starts with understanding who does what in Australia. Our clear breakdown outlines the roles of federal, state, and local governments so communities can hold leaders accountable and build unity.
Federal government (Commonwealth)
The Commonwealth level oversees national matters including taxation, defence, border security, foreign affairs, immigration, and overarching legislation. It drives Australia-wide funding frameworks for major infrastructure, manages the Medicare scheme, finances higher education and universities, and delivers nationwide social security programs to support citizens across all states and territories.
State government (Victoria)
State authorities manage frontline operational delivery across communities. Their primary duties include the day-to-day operation and staffing of public hospitals, public primary and secondary schools, state policing and emergency services, justice systems, correctional facilities, public transport networks, regional planning, and social housing management.
Local government (Councils)
Local councils oversee grass-roots civil administration and neighbourhood services. Key responsibilities include local road repairs, footpath maintenance, parks and recreational grounds, waste and recycling collection, municipal health inspections, town planning permits, community centres, and neighbourhood wellbeing initiatives that keep local suburbs thriving.
Policy area responsibility matrix
A comprehensive cross-jurisdictional breakdown showing how portfolio responsibilities and operational delivery are allocated across federal, Victorian, and local tiers of government.
Responsibility breakdown by tier of government
| Policy area | Federal, Victorian & local division |
|---|---|
| Medicare | Federal: Health | Victoria: — | Local: — |
| Public hospitals | Federal: Funding agreements | Victoria: Health | Local: — |
| Mental health | Shared: Federal (Health) & Victoria (Health) |
| GP workforce | Shared: Federal (Health) & Victoria (Workforce skills) |
| Schools & education | Federal: Funding support | Victoria: Education |
| Universities & higher ed | Federal: Education | Victoria: Partnership support |
| TAFE & apprenticeships | Shared: Federal (Skills) & Victoria (Education & skills) |
| Housing supply & targets | Shared: Federal (Housing) & Victoria (Housing & targets) |
| Build-to-rent & affordable housing | Shared: Federal (Housing) & Victoria (Housing) |
| Modular & prefab manufacturing | Shared: Federal (Housing/Industry), Victoria (Industry) & Local support |
| Planning reform & permits | Victoria: Planning framework | Local: Planning permits |
| Clean energy & EV industry | Shared: Federal (Energy/Industry) & Victoria (Energy/Industry) |
| Police & youth justice | Victoria: Justice | Local: Community safety partnerships |
| Family violence prevention | Shared: Federal & Victoria (Community safety) with Local support |
| Public transport & major roads | Shared: Federal (Infrastructure) & Victoria (Transport) |
| Local roads & footpaths | Victoria: Funding support | Local: Local government delivery |
| Drainage & flood mitigation | Shared: Federal & Victoria (Emergency) | Local: Local government |
| Waste management | Federal: Regulation | Victoria: Framework | Local: Environment |
| Parks, recreation & libraries | Victoria: Grants & support | Local: Community facilities |