Commonwealth of Australia (1901 - )

From

1901

The Commonwealth of Australia was formed on 1 January 1901, with the federation of the six former colonies, which became known as states. Australia has two mainland territories - the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Before the territories became self-governing (in 1978 and 1989 respectively), the Commonwealth of Australia made the laws - through Commonwealth Acts or through Ordinances, which were made by the Governor-General. Even after self-government, Commonwealth law can still override laws made by Territory governments. (The Commonwealth can override State laws only in the areas set out in section 51 of the Australian constitution.)