Why power is split, and how that protects you

In Episode 2 of How Australia Works, Hugo challenges a traffic penalty he believes is too harsh and takes his case to court.

His story shows how Parliament, executive government and courts play different roles in making, enforcing and applying laws.

The episode also examines a High Court ruling that found mandatory curfew and electronic monitoring conditions imposed on some former immigration detainees invalid. It recalls how section 44 of the Constitution disqualified several federal politicians in 2017 because of their foreign citizenship status. Together, these examples show how the separation of powers limits authority and allows decisions to be questioned. Listen to understand how this works in real life.

How Australia Works is available in 60 languages. Explore the series in other languages.

Credits:

How Australia Works is a podcast from SBS Audio and Australia Explained.

Host: L-FRESH The LION

Research and journalism: Gonzalo Aguirregomezcorta

Sound design, mix, original music and theme: L-FRESH The LION

Law and civics consultant: Dr Jacinta Sassine, School of Law, Western Sydney University

Artwork and design: Francesco Ortiz and Yudai Urushima

Writers: Josipa Kosanovic and Susan Burchill

Created and produced by: Josipa Kosanovic

Editor, Australia Explained: Roza Germian

Head of Educational and Essential Services, SBS Audio: Janine Googan

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia where this podcast is made and heard. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of this continent.

Parliamentary Material Australian House of Representatives excerpts courtesy of the Parliament of Australia. Copyright Commonwealth of Australia. Used under Creative Commons licence, subject to applicable licence terms.