Defining Tulmur | Ipswich - Power & Control

Governing
Many aspects of our lives are influenced by frameworks, processes, rules and laws as defined by local, colonial/state and federal levels of government. Today, Local Government is responsible for parks and reserves, local roads, waste management, libraries, art galleries, museums, swimming pools, rates, building regulations, land subdivision and town planning. State Government is responsible for education, hospitals, main roads, public transport, emergency and health services. Federal Government is responsible for defence, foreign affairs, trade and commerce, social security, currency, immigration, taxation and postal services.

Prior to Federation, the colonies were partially self-governing, overseeing defence, railways and postage. Municipalities and shires had oversight of local issues including water supply, street lighting, fire brigades and wharves. As the 19th Century came to a close, the colonialists started arguing for a national government to deal with issues of defence, immigration and trade. Ipswich voted against Federation, but on 1 January 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed.