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How Systems Work

What Does a Government Actually Do All Day?

Ages 10–14 25 min read Beginner

You woke up this morning in a house that met building codes. You drank water that was tested for safety. You drove on maintained roads. You're reading this on technology that uses regulated radio spectrum. Government is everywhere — and most of the time, you don't even notice.

The Core Functions

1. Security and Defence

The Australian Defence Force protects the country. Police maintain law and order. Courts resolve disputes and punish crimes. This is the most basic function — without it, nothing else works.

2. Infrastructure

Roads, railways, airports, water systems, electricity grids, internet networks. Government either builds these directly or regulates private companies that do.

3. Education

Public schools educate approximately 65% of Australian students. Government sets the curriculum, funds universities, and regulates all education providers.

4. Healthcare

Medicare provides universal healthcare to all Australians. Public hospitals are government-funded. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidises medication. Without government, a hospital visit might cost you $50,000.

5. Social Safety Net

Welfare payments (JobSeeker, Age Pension, Disability Support), public housing, and emergency assistance. These exist so that no Australian falls below a basic standard of living — at least in theory.

6. Regulation

Food safety (FSANZ), consumer protection (ACCC), environmental protection, workplace safety, financial regulation (ASIC, APRA). Regulation is the invisible framework that keeps businesses honest and citizens safe.

Three Levels of Government

Australia has three levels, each with different responsibilities:

  • Federal (Canberra): Defence, immigration, trade, taxation, Medicare, social security
  • State/Territory: Education, health, police, roads, public transport
  • Local (Council): Rubbish collection, local roads, parks, planning approvals, libraries

Total government spending in Australia is approximately $700 billion per year — about $27,000 per person.

Tonight's Question

"Count how many government services our family used today — from the moment we woke up. You'll be surprised how many."

Government Touch Points

  1. Each family member tracks every interaction with a government service for one day.
  2. Include: roads, water, schools, hospitals, police, regulations, parks, libraries, weather forecasts (BOM), emergency services.
  3. Compare lists at dinner.
  4. Count: how many government services did the family use in total?
  5. Discuss: which services would you miss most if they disappeared?

Go Further

  • Website: Australian Government Directory (directory.gov.au) — see every government department and agency.
  • Research: What is the difference between a "department" and a "statutory authority"?
  • Question: Should government do more or less? Where do you draw the line?
  • Visit: Your local council website. Find out what services they provide and how they're funded.

What We Simplified

  • Government isn't always efficient. Bureaucracy, waste, and poor decision-making are real. Acknowledging what government does doesn't mean it does everything well.
  • Private sector also provides services. Telecommunications, energy, and many services are provided by private companies under government regulation.
  • The $27,000 per person figure is a rough average. Some people receive far more in services (health, education) while others receive less.

Sources

  • Australian Government. "Budget 2023-24." budget.gov.au
  • Parliamentary Education Office. "Three Levels of Government." PEO
  • ABS (2023). "Government Finance Statistics." Cat. 5512.0.

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