NationStates Jolt Archive

I've been looking round the net and can't find exactly or authoritatively what I'm after. I want to know what services federal members are supposed to look after in their electorate. For example, at a state level they look after hospitals and at a local level roads, but what do the Federal members role for their electorate?

Cheers.

I'm not sure whether there are specific services. The main thing is to represent the local people in federal parliament, obviously (even though they'll usually put party allegiances before the interests of their electorate).

The services provided by the federal government would be run by the relevant federal departments, like the defense department, DFAT, the ministry formerly known as the multicultural one or the treasury.

Similarly, if you vote for a State rep, I don't think that state rep actually has any direct involvement in the local schools or hospitals. Those would be run by the state departments for health or education.

NL summed it up pretty well.

Are you looking for something specifically, or just want to make your MP more accountable?

As far as I understand, most services are deliberately shunted to the state governments. Federal government concerns itself more with policy and legislation (to which the said state services must adhere). As such, federal MPs main responsiblity is to 'represent the interests of their electorate'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Australia

The Constitution sets out the responsibilities of the States and Commonwealth Government.