The Melbourne Australia Government The Government of any culture is clearly important to recognize when doing business in another

country. In order to have a successful business in Melbourne, Australia one must know their Government. Australias Government encourages new residents to learn as much as they can about Australia and its values, which include respect for the equal worth, dignity and freedom of the individual, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and secular government, freedom of association, support for parliamentary democracy and the rule of law, equality under the law, equality of men and women, equality of opportunity and peacefulness. Melbournians also include a spirit of egalitarianism that embraces fair play, mutual respect, tolerance, compassion. The structure of the Australian Government may be examined of two distinct concepts, namely:

1. Federalism - Australia has both a federal government called the Commonwealth Government as well as state and local governments; and 2. Separation of powers into legislative, executive and judiciary branches of government.

Federalism The Australian Constitution creates a federal legislature known as the Parliament of the Commonwealth. The bicameral parliament consists of the Queen and two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Constitution provides for the Commonwealth Government's legislative powers and allocates certain powers and responsibilities (known as "heads of power") to the Commonwealth government. Of

each state has their own State Constitution so that Australia actually has seven sovereign state Parliaments, none of which can encroach on the functions of the other. The Commonwealth Constitution also provides that the States can agree to refer any of their powers to the Commonwealth if they choose. In addition, Australia has three selfgoverning territories: the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and Norfolk Island. These Territories do not have their own Constitutions. Instead, the legislatures of these territories exercise powers delegated to them by the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth Parliament retains the power to override territorial legislation and to transfer powers to or from the territories.

Separation of Powers The Separation of Powers is the principle whereby the three arms of government undertake their activities separate from each other:

Legislature - The Commonwealth Parliament Executive - Administers the laws and carries out the tasks assigned to it by legislation.

Judiciary - hears cases arising from the administration of the law, using both statute law and the common law. The Australian courts cannot give advisory opinions on the constitutionality of laws (1.).

Influences of the Melbourne Australias Low context/Individualistic culture

The Geert Hofstede analysis shows the high level of individuality Australian's hold dear. This is reinforced in their daily lives and must be considered when traveling and doing business in the Country. Privacy is considered the norm and attempts at personal ingratiation may meet with rebuff. Uncertainty avoidance is relatively low with a family centered culture and a stable society. When communicating with Melbournians one should know that English is the spoken language. Shake hands when meeting and when leaving. Although uncommon, some women may greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Exchanging business cards is common among professional workers. Australians are friendly and open, but directness and brevity are valued. Opinions are respected, and opinionated discussions are entertaining. Be an active listener, and ask if you do not understand something in the conversation. Do not hype yourself, your company or your information. Sightseeing and sports are good conversational topics. Afternoon tea is about 4:00pm. Tea is between 6:00 - 8:00pm and is an evening meal Supper is a late night light meal or snack (2.). Melbournes culture is influence by egalitarianism; they feel everyone should have fair play and equal rights.

Conclusion The City of Melbournes Multicultural Hub is a friendly place, where people from Melbournes many different cultures can get together to work, share and learn in a safe and supportive environment. Melbourne is considered an individualistic cultural, therefore this program they have incorporated further implies their way of wanting to change to be even more culturally diversed. This program is influenced by Melbourne City Council to support residents, visitors, students and workers of different cultural, religious, linguistic and national backgrounds by focusing its activities under the following key themes: Participation, this strategy will benefit many by supporting people to participate in the fullest possible range of activities in the City of Melbourne and aiming to enhance their relationship with government. Celebration, this strategy will acknowledge the contribution of people from different cultures by celebrating and showcasing their stories, days of importance, festivals and contributions to the ongoing life of the City of Melbourne. Support, during this settlement phase, and at other key points in their lives, people from diverse cultural, religious and language backgrounds need access to support and services. Leadership, Melbourne is one of the most successful multicultural cities in the world. They enjoy an absence of racial tensions that is admired the world over. The ongoing success of Melbourne as a multicultural city requires hard work and leadership to ensure this continues (3.).

References

1. Australian Government (2007). Life in Australia. p2, 22-26. www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/values/book 2. Moran, R.T, Harris, P.R., Moran, S.V. (2007). Managing Cultural Differences Global Leadership Strategies for the 21st Century (7th ed). Burlington, MA: Elsevier. p403-408 3. City of Melbourne (n.d). Multicultural Hub. Retrieved December 1, 2009 from, Multicultural Services Web site: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/communityservices/multiculturalservices/multi culturalhub/Pages/MulticulturalHub.aspx.