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States and territories of Australia Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Australian Federalism: States, Territories, and Governance

Cheat Sheet:
Australian Federalism: States, Territories, and Governance Study Guide

Overview of Australian Administrative Divisions

Australia's national subdivisions consist of 6 states, 3 internal territories, and 7 external territories, totaling 16 entities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Australia's national subdivisions indeed comprise 6 states, 3 internal territories, and 7 external territories, summing to 16 entities.

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New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria are among the six federated states of Australia.

Answer: True

Explanation: New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria are indeed three of the six federated states of Australia, as listed in the source material.

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The Australian Capital Territory, Jervis Bay Territory, and Norfolk Island are the three internal territories located on the Australian mainland.

Answer: False

Explanation: The three internal territories on the Australian mainland are the Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, and the Northern Territory. Norfolk Island is an external territory.

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Jervis Bay Territory is a self-governing internal territory whose residents are represented in the Australian Parliament as part of New South Wales.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jervis Bay Territory is a non-self-governing internal territory. Its residents are represented in the Australian Parliament as part of the ACT's Division of Fenner, not New South Wales.

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What is the total number of national subdivisions that comprise Australia, including states and territories?

Answer: 16

Explanation: Australia is composed of 16 national subdivisions, including 6 states, 3 internal territories, and 7 external territories.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the six federated states of Australia?

Answer: Northern Territory

Explanation: The Northern Territory is an internal territory, not one of the six federated states of Australia.

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Which of the following is NOT an internal territory located on the Australian mainland?

Answer: Norfolk Island

Explanation: Norfolk Island is an external territory, not an internal territory located on the Australian mainland.

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Constitutional and Governance Framework

Australian states are fully sovereign administrative divisions, whereas territories are entirely autonomous and not subject to federal oversight.

Answer: False

Explanation: Australian states are partially sovereign, having ceded some rights to the federal government, and territories are legally subordinate to the federal government, which can override their legislation.

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The federal Parliament has the power to override legislation passed by Australian states, but not by self-governing territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: The federal Parliament can override territorial legislation, as territories are constitutionally directly subject to the Commonwealth government. State legislative powers, however, are protected by the Australian Constitution, and Commonwealth legislation applies to states only where permitted by the constitution.

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All Australian states and internal territories, including the Jervis Bay Territory, are self-governing.

Answer: False

Explanation: Every state and internal territory is self-governing, with the exception of the Jervis Bay Territory, which is a non-self-governing internal territory.

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The High Court of Australia serves as the final court of appeal and can override any state judiciary.

Answer: True

Explanation: The High Court of Australia indeed functions as the final court of appeal for all legal matters within the country and possesses the authority to override any state judiciary.

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Both the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory have had representation in the federal Parliament since 1948 and in the Senate since 1975.

Answer: True

Explanation: Both the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory have indeed had representation in the federal Parliament since 1948 and in the Senate since 1975.

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A state governor in Australia is appointed by the Governor-General on the advice of the state premier.

Answer: False

Explanation: A state governor is appointed by the monarch (currently King Charles III) on the advice of the state premier, not by the Governor-General.

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The Administrator of the Northern Territory is appointed by the monarch.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Administrator of the Northern Territory is appointed by the Governor-General of Australia, who is the monarch's representative at the federal level.

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In the Australian Capital Territory, the Chief Minister and the Assembly itself exercise the functions of the head of the Executive.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the Australian Capital Territory, the functions of the head of the Executive are indeed exercised by the Assembly itself and by the Chief Minister.

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All Australian states have a bicameral parliament, consisting of a legislative assembly and a legislative council.

Answer: False

Explanation: While most states have a bicameral parliament, Queensland is the only Australian state with a unicameral parliament, having abolished its upper house in 1922.

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The head of government for Australian states is called the 'chief minister,' while for self-governing internal territories, it is the 'premier.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The head of government for each state is called the 'premier,' while the head of government for the self-governing internal territories is called the 'chief minister.'

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A state premier is appointed by the state's governor, typically the leader of the party controlling the lower house.

Answer: True

Explanation: A state premier is appointed by the state's governor, who, in normal circumstances, appoints the leader of the party or coalition that controls the lower house of the state parliament.

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Which of the following best describes the legal status of Australian territories compared to states?

Answer: States are partially sovereign, while territories are legally subordinate to the federal government.

Explanation: Australian states are partially sovereign administrative divisions, whereas territories are legally subordinate to the federal government, which can override their legislation.

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Who appoints a state governor in Australia?

Answer: The monarch, on the advice of the state premier

Explanation: Each state's governor is appointed by the monarch (currently King Charles III) on the advice of the state premier.

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In the Australian Capital Territory, who exercises the functions of the head of the Executive?

Answer: The Assembly itself and the Chief Minister

Explanation: In the Australian Capital Territory, the functions of the head of the Executive are exercised by the Assembly itself and by the Chief Minister.

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Which Australian state is the only one with a unicameral parliament?

Answer: Queensland

Explanation: Queensland is the only Australian state with a unicameral parliament, having abolished its upper house in 1922.

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What is the title for the head of government in a self-governing internal territory like the Northern Territory?

Answer: Chief Minister

Explanation: The head of government for self-governing internal territories, such as the Northern Territory, is called the 'chief minister.'

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What is the role of the High Court of Australia regarding state judiciaries?

Answer: It functions as the final court of appeal and can override any state judiciary.

Explanation: The High Court of Australia functions as the final court of appeal for all legal matters within the country and has the authority to override any state judiciary.

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Which of the following statements about the legislative powers of Australian states and territories is correct?

Answer: Commonwealth legislation applies to states only where permitted by the constitution.

Explanation: The legislative powers of states are protected by the Australian Constitution, and Commonwealth legislation applies to states only where permitted by the constitution.

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How is the Administrator of the Northern Territory appointed?

Answer: By the Governor-General of Australia

Explanation: The Administrator of the Northern Territory is appointed by the Governor-General of Australia.

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Historical Evolution of States and Territories

The Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory were established by legislation of the Federal Parliament in 1978 and 1988, respectively.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Northern Territory was established in 1978, but the Australian Capital Territory was established in 1988, not the other way around.

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At Federation in 1901, the Northern Territory was part of Queensland, and the ACT was within Victoria.

Answer: False

Explanation: At Federation in 1901, the Northern Territory was part of South Australia, and the areas of the Australian Capital Territory and Jervis Bay Territory were within New South Wales.

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The Ashmore and Cartier Islands were accepted by Australia in 1934 and annexed to Western Australia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ashmore and Cartier Islands were accepted by Australia in 1934 and subsequently annexed to the Northern Territory, not Western Australia.

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The Colony of New South Wales initially encompassed much of the Australian mainland, Tasmania, and New Zealand.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Colony of New South Wales, founded in 1788, initially encompassed a vast area, including much of the Australian mainland, Tasmania, New Zealand, and Norfolk Island.

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Norfolk Island lost its self-governance status in 2015 and came under full Commonwealth control.

Answer: True

Explanation: Norfolk Island possessed a degree of self-government from 1979 until 2015, when it lost this status and came under full Commonwealth control.

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The Colony of New South Wales was established by the British Empire in 1788.

Answer: True

Explanation: The British Empire established the Colony of New South Wales in 1788.

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Van Diemen's Land became the independent colony of Tasmania in 1825.

Answer: False

Explanation: The island of Tasmania became the independent colony of Van Diemen's Land in 1825, but it was later renamed the Colony of Tasmania in 1856.

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The Swan River Colony was established in 1829 and later renamed the 'colony of Western Australia' in 1832.

Answer: True

Explanation: The British Empire established the Swan River Colony in western mainland Australia in 1829, which was later renamed the 'colony of Western Australia' in 1832.

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The Federal Capital Territory was created in 1911 and renamed the 'Australian Capital Territory' in 1938.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Federal Capital Territory was created in 1911 and was indeed renamed the 'Australian Capital Territory' in 1938.

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The Northern Territory was temporarily divided into North Australia and Central Australia from 1927 to 1931.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1927, the Northern Territory was split into two separate territories: North Australia and Central Australia, which were then reincorporated as the Northern Territory in 1931.

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Australia received a League of Nations mandate over northeastern New Guinea in 1930, following World War I.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following World War I, in 1920, the League of Nations established an Australian mandate in northeastern New Guinea, not 1930.

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Nauru gained independence from Australian control in 1975.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nauru was granted independence in 1968 after the Nauru Independence Act 1967, not 1975.

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The Territory of Papua and New Guinea gained independence as the Independent State of Papua New Guinea in 1975.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Territory of Papua and New Guinea gained independence as the Independent State of Papua New Guinea following the Papua New Guinea Independence Act 1975.

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When were the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory (NT) established by federal legislation?

Answer: ACT in 1988, NT in 1978

Explanation: The Northern Territory was established in 1978, and the Australian Capital Territory was established in 1988 by legislation of the Federal Parliament.

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Which state was the Northern Territory part of at the time of Australia's Federation in 1901?

Answer: South Australia

Explanation: At Federation in 1901, the area now known as the Northern Territory was part of South Australia.

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What was the initial name of Tasmania when it became an independent colony in 1825?

Answer: Van Diemen's Land

Explanation: The island of Tasmania became the independent colony of Van Diemen's Land in 1825.

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When was the Colony of New South Wales established by the British Empire?

Answer: 1788

Explanation: The British Empire established the Colony of New South Wales in 1788.

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The Swan River Colony, established in 1829, was later renamed what?

Answer: Colony of Western Australia

Explanation: The Swan River Colony, established in 1829, was later renamed the 'colony of Western Australia' in 1832.

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In what year did the Federal Capital Territory, later renamed the Australian Capital Territory, come into existence?

Answer: 1911

Explanation: The Federal Capital Territory was created in 1911 when a pocket of New South Wales around Canberra was transferred to the federal government.

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When did Australia receive a League of Nations mandate over northeastern New Guinea?

Answer: 1920

Explanation: Following World War I, in 1920, the League of Nations established an Australian mandate in northeastern New Guinea.

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In what year did Nauru gain independence after being an Australian mandate and trust territory?

Answer: 1968

Explanation: Nauru was granted independence in 1968 after the Nauru Independence Act 1967.

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When were the Ashmore and Cartier Islands accepted by Australia and annexed to the Northern Territory?

Answer: 1934

Explanation: The Ashmore and Cartier Islands were accepted by Australia in 1934 and subsequently annexed to the Northern Territory.

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When did New Zealand become an independent colony, separating from New South Wales?

Answer: 1841

Explanation: The islands of New Zealand became the independent colony of New Zealand in 1841.

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From what period did Norfolk Island possess a degree of self-government before losing it?

Answer: 1979 to 2015

Explanation: Norfolk Island possessed a degree of self-government from 1979 until 2015.

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When was the Colony of Tasmania renamed from Van Diemen's Land?

Answer: 1856

Explanation: The Colony of Tasmania was renamed from Van Diemen's Land in 1856.

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The Northern Territory was temporarily split into North Australia and Central Australia during which years?

Answer: 1927-1931

Explanation: The Northern Territory was temporarily split into North Australia and Central Australia from 1927 to 1931.

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After World War II, the Territory of New Guinea was placed in an 'administrative union' with which other territory?

Answer: Territory of Papua

Explanation: After World War II, the Papua and New Guinea Act 1949 placed the Territory of New Guinea in an 'administrative union' with the Territory of Papua.

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Demography and Geography of Australia

Australia is the world's second-largest island and the fifth-largest country by land area.

Answer: False

Explanation: Australia is sometimes considered the world's largest island and is the sixth-largest country by land area, not the fifth-largest.

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New South Wales is the most populous state in Australia, with Sydney as its capital.

Answer: True

Explanation: New South Wales is indeed the most populous state in Australia, and Sydney is its capital city.

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Western Australia is the smallest state in Australia by area, covering 68,401 square kilometers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Western Australia is the largest state by area. Tasmania is the smallest state by area, covering 68,401 square kilometers.

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The Australian Capital Territory is the most populous territory, with Canberra as its capital city.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Australian Capital Territory is the most populous territory, and its capital city is Canberra.

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The Cocos (Keeling) Islands is the largest territory by area, covering 5,896,500 square kilometers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Cocos (Keeling) Islands is the smallest territory by area, covering 14 square kilometers. The Australian Antarctic Territory is the largest, covering 5,896,500 square kilometers.

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The term 'interstate' in Australia refers exclusively to travel between different states.

Answer: False

Explanation: Within Australia, 'interstate' refers to events, transactions, registrations, or travel that occur across borders or outside of a particular state or territory, not exclusively travel between states.

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The majority of Australians reside in the western coastal mainland states.

Answer: False

Explanation: The majority of Australians live in the eastern coastal mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory.

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Western Australia observes a standard time zone of +7.

Answer: False

Explanation: Western Australia observes a standard time zone of +8, not +7.

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According to the 2021 census, 63.0% of New South Wales' population resides in its capital city, Sydney.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the 2021 census, 63.0% of New South Wales' population resides in its capital city, Sydney.

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In 2021, the population density of the Australian Capital Territory was 434 people per square kilometer.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2021, the population density of the Australian Capital Territory was 167.6 people per square kilometer, which is approximately 434 people per square mile, not per square kilometer.

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Australia claims an exclusive economic zone of approximately 8.2 million square kilometers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Australia claims an exclusive economic zone of about 8,200,000 square kilometers (3,200,000 square miles).

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The Coral Sea separates Australia from New Zealand.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tasman Sea separates Australia from New Zealand, while the Coral Sea separates Australia from Island Melanesia.

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What is Australia's rank by land area globally?

Answer: Sixth-largest

Explanation: Australia is the sixth-largest country by land area globally.

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Which is the most populous state in Australia?

Answer: New South Wales

Explanation: New South Wales is the most populous state in Australia.

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Which two Australian territories are described as uninhabited?

Answer: Ashmore and Cartier Islands and Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Explanation: The Ashmore and Cartier Islands and Heard Island and McDonald Islands are both uninhabited territories.

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Which of the following groups of entities collectively accounts for 79% of Australia's population?

Answer: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory

Explanation: The eastern coastal mainland states of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory collectively account for 79% of Australia's population.

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What is the standard time zone observed in Christmas Island?

Answer: +7

Explanation: Christmas Island observes a standard time zone of +7.

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According to the 2021 census, what percentage of New South Wales' population resides in Sydney?

Answer: 63.0%

Explanation: According to the 2021 census, 63.0% of New South Wales' population resides in its capital city, Sydney.

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What was the population density of the Australian Capital Territory in 2021, in people per square kilometer?

Answer: 167.6

Explanation: In 2021, the population density of the Australian Capital Territory was 167.6 people per square kilometer.

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Which of the following bodies of water separates Australia from New Zealand?

Answer: Tasman Sea

Explanation: The Tasman Sea separates Australia from New Zealand.

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What is the approximate length of Australia's mainland coastline?

Answer: 32,994 kilometers

Explanation: Australia has a mainland coastline of 32,994 kilometers (20,502 miles).

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Which is the least populous state in Australia?

Answer: Tasmania

Explanation: Tasmania is the least populous state in Australia.

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Which is the largest state in Australia by area?

Answer: Western Australia

Explanation: Western Australia is the largest state in Australia by area.

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Which is the smallest territory in Australia by area?

Answer: Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Explanation: The Cocos (Keeling) Islands is the smallest territory by area, covering 14 square kilometers.

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Which of the following is an example of an urban area in Australia divided by a state or territory border?

Answer: Canberra-Queanbeyan

Explanation: Canberra-Queanbeyan is an example of an urban area in Australia divided by a state or territory border.

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What is the standard time zone observed in Western Australia?

Answer: +8

Explanation: Western Australia observes a standard time zone of +8.

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Contemporary Administrative Roles and Details

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts governs all of Australia's external territories.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts governs most external territories, Heard Island and McDonald Islands and the Australian Antarctic Territory are governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

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Chris Minns, affiliated with the Labor party, is the current Premier of New South Wales.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chris Minns, affiliated with the Labor party, is the current Premier of New South Wales, appointed on 25 March 2023.

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Chris Dawson is the current Governor of Western Australia, appointed on 15 July 2022.

Answer: True

Explanation: Chris Dawson is the current Governor of Western Australia, appointed on 15 July 2022.

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Lia Finocchiaro, affiliated with the Labor party, is the current Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lia Finocchiaro is the current Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, but she is affiliated with the Country Liberal party, not the Labor party.

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Australian Capital Territory Policing services are performed by the New South Wales Police Force.

Answer: False

Explanation: Australian Capital Territory Policing services are performed by the Australian Federal Police, not the New South Wales Police Force.

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Which of the following external territories is governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water?

Answer: Heard Island and McDonald Islands

Explanation: Heard Island and McDonald Islands, along with the Australian Antarctic Territory, are governed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

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Who is the current Chief Minister of the Northern Territory?

Answer: Lia Finocchiaro

Explanation: Lia Finocchiaro is the current Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.

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Which police force provides law enforcement services for the Australian Capital Territory?

Answer: Australian Federal Police

Explanation: Australian Capital Territory Policing services are performed by the Australian Federal Police.

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Who is the current Governor of Western Australia?

Answer: Chris Dawson

Explanation: Chris Dawson is the current Governor of Western Australia.

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