A comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the apparatus of government in Australia, to Australian political institutions, parties, pressure groups, politicians, electorial systems, and to political theory as it has developed in Australia and affected the Australian system. This book, designed for both the student and general reader, provides both concise, factual information and, where relevant, analysis of events and people. It has been written by a group of Australian academic experts, each specialising in a particular field and thus ensuring both informed comment and accuracy of fact. A series of appendixes also provides ready-reference information in tabular form. These include federal election dates and results, a chronology of federal parliament, and names and dates of Prime Ministers and Opposition Leaders since federation.