What is the ACT Legislative Assembly?
The ACT Legislative Assembly is the parliament of the Australian Capital Territory. It sits in Canberra, has 25 members and is led by a Chief Minister rather than a premier.
The Assembly was created when the ACT gained self-government in 1989. Before that, the territory was run mainly by the federal government. It is a single chamber, with no upper house, and members are elected every four years.
Elections use the Hare-Clark system of proportional representation, also used in Tasmania. Voters choose candidates in multi-member electorates, so the Assembly often includes members from several parties and independents.
Different from the federal Parliament
The Assembly meets in the Legislative Assembly building in Canberra's city centre, not at Parliament House. It handles local matters such as health, schools, transport and planning, while the federal Parliament deals with national issues.
Because the ACT has no separate local councils, the Assembly also handles city services such as rubbish collection, roads and parks, which councils manage in other parts of Australia.
Did You Know?
The Assembly grew from 17 to 25 members at the 2016 election.