Australia is a constitutional monarchy comprised of six States (including Tasmania) and two Territories. There are three tiers of government: Federal, State and local.
Tasmania's State government consists of ten government departments who manage most of the major functions of the State (Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Finance, Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, Economic Development and Tourism, Education, Health and Human Services, Justice, Police and Public Safety, Primary Industries and Water and Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts) and are accountable to the Premier.
Tasmania also has ten Government Business Enterprises (GBEs) and six State Owned Companies (SOCs), as well as many independent boards, authorities and commissions that exist to monitor and regulate various areas.
The State is divided into 29 local government areas where elected councils are each responsible for much of the infrastructure and facilities for local communities, from water supply and garbage disposal to local roads.
Tasmania has its own Parliament, which makes laws for the government of the State, and laws made by the Federal Parliament also apply. Local government by-laws are also applicable in council areas, and councils administer some State legislation.