Australia is an independent Western democracy with federal and parliament government. The form of government corresponds largely with the British democratic tradition. The amalgamation of departments resulted in the assignment of responsibilities in the larger departments to a portfolio minister. There are many statutory agencies, corporations, tribunals and commissions in the federal public sector, all responsible to particular ministers.
They have compulsory voting at the national and state level and have a permanent electoral commission charged with overseeing fair elections and regular redistribution of the boundaries.