The role of the Prime Minister in shaping Australia

Since Federation, prime ministers have played a critical role in the debate, development and implementation of government policies that have shaped Australia.

The Prime Minister is the leader of the Australian Government.

Since Federation, prime ministers have played a critical role in the debate, development and implementation of government policies that have shaped Australia.

Prime ministerial decisions can have an impact from an individual to an international level. For example, Prime ministers and their governments have decided:

  • what action Australia should take on the environment
  • how vulnerable Australians should be supported
  • who can migrate to Australia
  • how First Australians should be treated
  • how to respond in times of crisis, armed conflict and pandemic.

Curriculum areas

  • Year 9 Civics and Citizenship

Questions

  • List some of the policies that have been developed by Prime Ministers and their governments. Have these policies changed over time?
  • What influenced Prime Ministers to develop or change these policies?
  • How did these policies shape Australia?

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