Other than preferential voting is a direct vote for a particular party with proportional representation. In this case, the vote is for a particular party with the majority vote deciding who represents the electorate. This is used mostly in the election of the Senate and in some state elections. Each Senator represents a state or territory but because the electorate is so large, there are often several senators based on the size of the population in the electorate. Among these authorities are shire councils, borough councils, and town and city councils.
Legislation granting power to local authorities exists in each state.
The mayor or president is a leader of a number of councillors who are elected by ratepayers of the area. The government of Australia has played an important role in advancing social services. Programs of assistance for people who are sick, aged, widowed, or unemployed exist. A maternity allowance is paid to mothers irrespective of income, and an endowment for all children under 16 years of age is payable to the parent or other person with custody. The Flying Doctor Service provides medical service for persons in remote areas.