Created especially for the Australian customer! Understand the Australian political system and make your vote count Get to grips with the good, the bad and the ugly of Australian politics! Whether you're a seasoned political punter or a voting novice, this is your essential guide to understanding politics in Australia. Master the ins and outs of elections, parties and policies, and learn to discuss the big issues in no time. You have to vote — now learn whyand how. Decipher political terminology — clear explanations of the houses of parliament, voting systems and more Learn how Australia's political system evolved — how Westminster and Washington were combined to produce 'Washminster' Appreciate parliamentary roles — what the Whips do and just what the Usher of the Black Rod is Find out who holds the purse strings — how federal and state governments work out who pays for what Understand how political parties work — the differences between Labor and Liberal, and what coalition politics is Discover what's meant by the balance of power — how minor parties and independents contribute to politics Determine how your vote is counted — the difference between preferential voting and proportional representation Work out the media's role — how the media reports, interprets and sways political outcomes Open the book and find: Key points about past and current political hot topics Explanations of the Australian Constitution, including the crisis of 1975 Plans of the houses of parliament so you know who sits where Analysis of how the major Australian political parties came about A concise description of the electoral pendulum Graphic descriptions of the different ballot papers A comprehensive glossary of political terms and jargon Learn to: Identify what makes the Australianpolitical system tick Distinguish between the differentpolitical parties Understand the influence of the media in Australian politics Cast your vote with confidence

Contemporary Politics in Australia provides a lively and wide-ranging introduction to the study of Australian politics. Written by a diverse range of experts, the book offers a comprehensive overview of current theories, debates and research in Australian political science and looks forward to new developments. It encompasses not only formal and institutionally based politics, but also the informal politics of everyday life, including the politics of Australian culture and media. The book is divided into six key sections that cover: • political theory • politics in everyday Australian life • elections • participation and representation • the Australian state • contemporary political and public policy issues Contemporary Politics in Australia challenges the assumption that the study of Australian politics can be dry, descriptive or uncontroversial. Rather, it encourages an understanding of politics in Australia as contested ground. Featuring a glossary of key terms and a companion website, it is essential reading for students.

Publisher description

Introduces the dynamics of the Australian political system. Sets out the key concepts and institutions of democratic politics and demonstrates how the actors and insitutions of Australian politics interact and develop. Australian authors: Miragliotta, Monash Uni; Errington, ANU; Barry, Charles Sturt University.

Government and Politics in Australia 10e is the comprehensive and scholarly political science text that provides thorough and accessible content written by authorities in the field. Now in its 10th edition, Government and Politics in Australia continues to provide students with a research-based, in-depth contemporary introduction to the Australian political system. A strengthened focus on government and politics ensures that this classic text remains the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to the structure and institutions of Australian government, as well as political parties, representation, interest groups and the role of the media in Australian politics. The 10th edition has been thoroughly revised and updated by experts in the field led by a new editor team and includes a completely new chapter on Australia in the world.

The global political environment in the twenty-first century is proving dynamic and challenging for Australian policymakers and political institutions. Australian Politics in the Twenty-first Century contextualises the Australian political landscape through an institutional lens. It examines the legislative and judicial bodies, minor parties, lobby groups, the media and the citizenry, providing historical and contemporary facts, explaining political issues and examining new challenges. The second edition has been updated to reflect the application of political theories in today's civic environment. New spotlight boxes highlight issues including marriage equality, COVID-19 and federalism, the inclusion of First Nations peoples in the political system, and gender equality in public policy. Short-answer, reflection, research and discussion questions encourage students to test and extend their knowledge of each topic and to clearly link theory to practice. Written in an accessible and engaging style, Australian Politics in the Twenty-First Century is an invaluable introduction to the Australian political system.