The first government of Victoria was formed on 1 July 1851 when the Port Phillip District separated from the colony of New South Wales, becoming a separate colony, the colony of Victoria. The first Legislative Council of the new government met on 11 November 1851, and proceeded to draft a Constitution of Victoria, approve the world's first secret ballot for elections, and build Parliament House in Melbourne. After the Constitution was approved by Queen Victoria, responsible self-government in Victoria began on 23 November 1855.[3]
On 1 January 1901 Victoria became a state in the newly formed Commonwealth of Australia, and responsibilities were divided between the Commonwealth (federal) government and the state government. National services such as defence, telephone, and postal services came under the federal government, while the Victorian Parliament remained responsible for police and education.[3]
Structure and functions
The Constitution of Australia regulates the relationship between the Victorian Government and the Commonwealth level of government, and cedes legislative and judicial supremacy to the federal government on conflicting matters.[4]
The government is formally presided over by the Governor of Victoria, who exercises executive authority granted by the state's constitution through the Executive Council, a body consisting of senior cabinet ministers. In reality, both the governor and the Executive Council are largely ceremonial, with the premier and ministers having control over policy, appointments, and other executive orders made by the governor.[5][bettersourceneeded]
The Government of Victoria operates under the principles of the Westminster system as adapted in the Australian Constitution and of responsible government. Both systems and principles of governance have developed out of the United Kingdom, to which Victoria was previously a colony.[citation needed]
Executive power rests formally with the Executive Council, which consists of the governor and senior ministers. In practice, executive power is exercised by the premier, appointed by the governor, provided they can command the support of a majority of members of the Legislative Assembly. The Cabinet is the de facto chief policy making organ and consists of the premier and all ministers.[citation needed]
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