Australian States & Mainland Territories
Australia is a federation comprising six sovereign states and two self-governing mainland territories (alongside non-mainland external territories such as Norfolk Island). Industrial relations, tenancy bond lodgements, public transit, and vocational safety are partitioned between federal and state jurisdictions.
New South Wales
State • Capital: SydneyAustralia's most populous state, home to Sydney's global financial hub, substantial coastal regional economies, and extensive higher-education institutions.
Victoria
State • Capital: MelbourneVictoria features Melbourne as an education and cultural capital, alongside growing regional economic centres such as Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo.
Queensland
State • Capital: BrisbaneAustralia's sunshine state with major metropolitan hubs in South East Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast) and mining, agricultural, and tourism hubs throughout tropical North Queensland.
Western Australia
State • Capital: PerthA resource-rich state with a distinct dual industrial relations jurisdiction (national system for constitutional corporations; WA state system for sole traders, partnerships, and unincorporated entities).
South Australia
State • Capital: AdelaideSouth Australia combines the accessible capital of Adelaide with prominent wine regions, manufacturing, defence, and renewable energy sectors.
Tasmania
State • Capital: HobartAustralia's island state known for clean industries, maritime studies, agriculture, tourism, and a cooler temperate climate.
Australian Capital Territory
Territory • Capital: CanberraThe national capital territory, hosting the Australian Federal Government, major research institutions, diplomatic missions, and national cultural venues.
Northern Territory
Territory • Capital: DarwinThe Northern Territory offers unique tropical and central desert environments, resource extraction projects, defence infrastructure, and significant Indigenous cultural heritage.