ABSTRACT
For any parcel of land, one of the key components is the framework provided by legal and governmental systems in place in that particular locality. This chapter provides an overview of those components, their role and operations and how they affect the holding, use and dealing with property assets. Laws and their attendant support mechanisms and organisations are continually evolving, influenced by emerging issues, changing community standards and the policy directions by government. Statute law normally can provide only general rules and/or direction and parameters for action. The application of statute is left principally to the government of the day as administrator, and to responsible courts or tribunals. To further clarify Australia’s contemporary legal and governmental systems, some elaboration on the day-to-day operations of these systems will assist. The political party with majority support in the Lower House forms the executive government to carry out these duties.
