How much autonomy do the States Constitutions have over the Federal in Australia?
They are fairly independent in that they each control different things and make laws with respect to different areas. Remember that the States were here first, and they agreed to write an Australian constitution. The Federal Government has powers to make laws with respect to the things listed in that Constitution (mainly in s.51) – and they cannot go beyond that. The States have very wide powers outside those reserved for the Federal Govt – whatever else is necessary for the peace and good government of that State. Have a look at Chapter 5 of the Australian Constitution, which deals with the States (http://www.aph.gov.au/SEnate/general/con… In particular, s.109 has been one where there has been cases before the High Court as to the line between what a State can do and what the Federal Govt can do.
