How Melbourne is governed
Three tiers of government, and which one matters for daily life.
- Three tiers of government shape the city: federal, state (Victoria) and local councils. State government matters most day to day.
- The Premier is Jacinta Allan (Labor), in power since 2014. The next Victorian state election is on 28 November 2026.
- The state runs major roads, public transport, hospitals, schools and police, plus vehicle registration via VicRoads.
- The City of Melbourne council covers only the central city; the Lord Mayor is Nick Reece. About 30 other councils run the wider metro.
- The main parties are Labor and the Liberal and National Coalition; the Greens are strong in inner-city seats.
Sources
Parliament of VictoriaCity of MelbourneVictorian Electoral Commission
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