In Australia there are 3 levels of government:
        1.  Federal - Responsible for things that effect the whole of Australia,
        2.  State - Responsible for things effecting your state, and
        3.  Local - Responsible for things effecting your local community.

These levels of government all work together to look after your quality of life by providing services to meet your basic needs.

So the question is........Who is responsible for what?

Take notes while surfing the links below to answer this focus question:

What are the services that each level of government is responsible for?

• Parliamentary Education Office: http://www.peo.gov.au/resources/Fact_Sheets/fs_55_3levelsofgov.html

• Baulkham Hills Shire Council: http://www.baulkhamhills.nsw.gov.au/how_council_works/clue1.aspx

• Grandpa Pencil Looks at Government in Australia: http://www.grandpapencil.com/austral/democracy/govern.htm

When you have finished test your note-taking skills by completing 'The Power of 3' worksheet.