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Brisbane Government

Brisbane is a City in the State of Queensland, which belongs to the Commonwealth of Australia. 

The local residents of the city are governed under three tiers of bureaucracy: the Federal Government, State Government, and Local Government. Two of these levels of government are based within the city itself.

Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, the head of the local government is based in City Hall, a heritage listed building constructed in the 1920s and beautifully restored quite recently. Visitors can tour the building and hear about the political history and events that surround the venue.

The Queensland State Parliament is seated next door to the Queensland University of Technology.

On days when Parliament is not sitting Parliamentary Attendants lead a variety of tours of Parliament House where you can learn the political history of the building and its unique structure compared to others under the Westminster parliamentary system. See images of both buildings below. 

Federal & State Government

Parliament HouseThe Federal Government of Australia has a limited number of direct responsibilities within the city of Brisbane. These include customs & immigration, major highways, federal laws and defence.

The Queensland State Government is responsible for a number of key areas within Brisbane, primarily Policing, Education, Hospitals, Main Roads and Public Transport.

While the Local Government will share in the responsibility of some of the following, the State Government still has a major hand in tourism, multicultural affairs, National Parks, agriculture, energy & water, housing and even the environment.

Local Government

The Brisbane City Council is the largest local government in the whole of Australia. The council’s power is divided between two major areas. Firstly; the executive Lord Mayor consists of a parliamentary style council of 26 councillors representing 27 individual wards. The wards each look after an electorate which is responsible for approximately 23,000 voters.

The second area is a Civic Cabinet made up of the Lord Mayor and the Chairpersons of the eight standing committees drawn from the membership of the council.

Brisbane City Council Standing Committees

Brisbane City HallThere are seven standing committees of the Council that are responsible for their respective areas of Brisbane City and the local community.

Brisbane Lifestyle Committee

Responsible for enhancing the lifestyle of those living in Brisbane, the Lifestyle Committee focusses on a number of areas. Some of these include the delivery of council services, promotes a healthy lifestyle for residents, organises cultural activities, delivers family & community services and minimises health risks & safety hazards.

Environment, Parks and Sustainability Committee

All aspects of Brisbane’s environment such as the rivers, waterways, biodiversity, air quality and natural areas full under the management of this committee. They’re the reason that Brisbane is a leading city in energy efficiency & water management, and they foster the development of parks and gardens to further develop Brisbane as a green, shady city.

Establishment and Coordination Committee (Civic Cabinet)

Also known as the Civic Cabinet, this committee discusses policies and strategies in areas of major projects, finance, urban planning, transport, environment, community services and city businesses in order to set the strategic direction of the city and the council as an organisation.

Field Services Committee

The Field Services Committee is responsible for the management of parks and green spaces (mowing lawns, signage, park benches etc.), as well as footpaths, potholes, litter, street sweeping, pest control, the State Emergency Services and even the removal of Graffiti.

Finance, Economic Development and Administration Committee

The Administration Committee is in charge of the Council’s human resources, business processes, IT and essentially the financial performance of the Council.

Infrastructure Committee

Ensuring the implementation and management of capital works, infrastructure networks and traffic management operations.

Neighbourhood Planning and Development Assessment Committee

The primary concern of this committee is to ensure the economic prosperity, health and quality of life of Brisbane residents. They also plan sustainable neighbourhoods, ensure the city retains the unique character of its architecture, and builds Brisbane’s capacity for long term growth.

Public and Active Transport Committee

The Transport Committee is responsible for maintaining an integrated and active public transport system utilising green transport options and plan for the necessary growth of the system in relation to the growing population.

More Qld Government Information

If you'd like to learn more about the Queensland State Government or the Brisbane City Council simply follow the links below.