PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS
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TEACHER’S GUIDE
This guide provides teaching materials designed to support and extend the topics covered
in the interactive comics: A Power Hungry Alien and Super Awesome Splash Land. The
stories encourage students to find out about the three levels of government by following
the characters through a fantasy adventure. The aim is to engage students in topics they
are interested in and to encourage them to make connections with their own everyday
experiences. For each of the stories there is a self-directed activity, small group activity
and whole class activity.
AusVELS LINKS
LEVEL
STRAND
DOMAIN
DIMENSION
5-8
Physical, personal
and social learning
Civics and citizenship
Civic knowledge and
understanding
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In Australia we have three levels of Government: federal, state and local. The power is shared between
these three levels. The Federal Parliament’s powers are set out in the Australian Constitution. It has
exclusive powers in matters such as defence, foreign policy, currency, airports, immigration and
communications.
Some powers are shared and both state and federal Parliaments are able to make laws for these matters.
If there is a conflicting law the federal law takes precedence. In practice, states and territories rely on the
Commonwealth for financial grants to implement programs. This gives the Commonwealth significant power
over the decisions that the states and territories make.
Local governments are responsible for services within a council area, however, they do not have
constitutional independence. The Victorian Local Government Act 1989 gives the Parliament the power
to expand or restrict the powers of local government.
Power is often shared between all three levels of government. Some examples of shared governance are
roads, environmental management and public health.
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TEACHER’S GUIDE
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
STATE GOVERNMENT
FEDERAL GOVERNEMENT
• Building regulations
• Waste management
• Parks and gardens
• Libraries
• Swimming pools
• Animal control
• Local roads
• Street lights
• Law and order
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Water
• Transport
• Agriculture
• Forests
• Energy
• Major roads
• Defence
• Trade
• Foreign affairs
• Immigration
• Communications
• Lighthouses
• Quarantine
• Currency
• Bankruptcy
• Copyright
• Family Law
• Pensions
• Highways
AUSTRALIA’S
THREE
LEVELS OF
GOVERNMENT
LEVEL
Local: shire, city,
rural city
State
Commonwealth
or federal
CROWN
REPRESENTATIVE
-
Governor
Governor-General
LAW
Local Laws
State
Commonwealth/federal
LEADER
Mayor
Premier
Prime Minister
REVENUE
Rates, state and
federal grants
Taxes, federal grants
Taxes
HEALTH
Meals-on-wheels,
garbage collection
Public hospitals,
nursing services
Funding, Medicare,
drug control
EDUCATION
Childcare
Funding primary and secondary
Funding post-secondary
TRANSPORT
Footpaths, street signs
Some railways and
busses, roads
Highways, railways,
airports, air safety
OTHER
Libraries, pets
Police, fire brigade,
environment
Foreign affairs,
immigration, pensions,
post, arts
Sourced from: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/images/stories/documents/education/Inside_Parliament_2014_small.pdf pp. 12
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TEACHER’S GUIDE
FURTHER INFORMATION
Parliament of Victoria
Explanation of the parliamentary system.
www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/the-parliamentary-system
Australian classification website
Information on classification categories and process of classification of publications, films
and computer games.
www.classification.gov.au
Department of State Development Business and Innovation
Where energy comes from.
www.energyandresources.vic.gov.au/energy/education-and-training
Sustainability Victoria
Council waste and recycling services.
www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/Services-and-Advice/Households/Waste-and-recycling/Council-waste-andrecycling-services
Vicroads
Roads management.
www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/RoadProjects
Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure
Guide to local government.
www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/guide-to-local-government
Department of Environment and Primary Industries
Legal requirements for dog owners.
www.depi.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/legal-requirements-for-dog-owners
EPA
Noise restrictions.
www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/noise
Public Transport Victoria
Education section.
www.ptv.vic.gov.au/about-ptv/education
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PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIEN
In this story, Duncan plays a video game
and must stop an alien beast that has
escaped from the world of the game.
The alien is feasting on the city’s
rubbish and draining energy from the
electricity grid.
SELF DIRECTED ACTIVITY
Ask students to research how their local council manages waste and answer the following questions:
• What is the name of the city/shire council in the area where you live?
• What is closest waste transfer station managed by your council?
• What items can and can’t be collected by your council for recycling?
• What is hard waste and green waste and what services does your council provide to collect them?
• What other services does your council provide to manage waste?
• What recommendations would you have to improve how your council manages waste?
• Who might you contact with your recommendations?
Ask students to think about what the positives and negatives would be if waste management was handled by
a different level of government (state or federal). Have students choose a level of government and complete
a PMI chart (plus, minus, interesting) to evaluate whether it is the best level of government for handling
waste management.
SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY
Ask students to get together and write a list of all their favourite movies and computer games and find out
how each movie or game is classified.
Have students research:
What each of the classifications mean (G, PG, M, MA, R)?
Who makes laws about classification of movies and video games?
Ask students to imagine that they are in a parliamentary committee that is looking into changing the law
about how movies and video games are classified. Have students make a list of different types of people or
groups in the community they would talk to about the topic to take into account everyone’s point of view.
Ask students to discuss what they think is meant by ‘freedom of speech’. Have students think about the
phrase ‘People should be free to say whatever they want whenever they want’. Get them to write down some
arguments for and against this statement.
Encourage students to discuss whether they think there should be limits to free speech and what role the
government should have.
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIEN
WHOLE-CLASS ACTIVITY
Ask students to work in pairs. Allocate each pair a level of government (local, state, or federal). Ensure that
there are equal numbers for each level of government.
Ask students to look through newspapers or online media for news items that relate to the responsibilities
of their allocated level of government. Students may find it helpful to read the Three Levels of Government
section of the Parliament of Victoria website www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/the-parliamentary-system/
three-level-of-government which has information about the responsibilities of each level of government.
Have a group of students create a chart with a section for each level of government. Ask students to paste
their news item onto the local, state or federal section of the chart.
Use the chart to discuss the areas of responsibility for each level of government that are covered in the news
items. Discuss some of the current issues brought up in the news around how these areas are managed.
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PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS
PMI CHART – WASTE MANAGEMENT
LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT:
PLUS
Advantages of this level of
government handling waste
management
MINUS
Disadvantages of this level of
government handling waste
management
INTERESTING
Ideas, areas for further
investigation, questions
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIEN
QUIZ
#
QUESTION
ANSWER
1
Which level of government is closest to you and the people living in
your neighborhood?
Local
2
Garbage collection is the responsibility of which level of government?
Local
3
The Australian Classification Board decides how movies and video
games are rated. Which level of government do they work for?
Federal
4
Which level of government is responsible for energy supply such as
electricity, gas and water?
State
5
Our space technologies include satellites for GPS, weather and
communications. Which level of government is responsible for
Space programs?
Federal
6
You must have a license to own a gun in Victoria. Which level of
government controls guns?
State
7
Which level of government is responsible for aliens who want to
become citizens?
Federal
8
Without street signs it would be hard to find your way around. Which level
of government is responsible for street signs in your neighborhood?
Local
9
Our waste should be recycled and disposed of in a sustainable way.
Which level of government makes sure that everyone uses best
practices?
State
10
Which level of government is responsible for the defense of Australia?
Federal
11
Who do you contact If street lights go out in your area?
Local
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIEN
LEARNING POINTS
TYPE
CONTENT
SCENE #
Learning Point
Your local council makes laws that affect you and the people in
your neighborhood. There are 69 local government councils
in Victoria.
1
Learning Point
Would you be allowed to play this game? Did you know that the
federal government has an Australian Classification Board that
decides how your DVD’s and video games are rated?
4
Time Machine
The Australian Classification Board was formed in 1970. Many
video games, books and movies have been banned. Fines for
owning banned movies or games can be up to $275,000 or
10 years in jail.
5
Learning Point
The federal government is responsible for space technologies,
such as GPS, weather and communications satellites.
20
Time Machine
Australia has a long history of involvement in space activities.
In 1947, the Woomera Rocket Range was established in South
Australia by the federal government.
20
Learning Point
The federal government is responsible for defending Australia
through the Army, Navy and Air Force.
17
Learning Point
Gun ownership in Victoria is tightly controlled by the state
government through the Police. You must have a license to
own a gun.
21
Learning Point
Look around you. How many things in the room are using
electricity right now? What would happen if you had a black out?
Did you know that the state government is responsible for the
supply of electricity, gas and water?
25
Learning Point
An alien is a foreigner who is not a naturalised citizen of
Australia. The federal government is responsible
for immigration.
29
Learning Point
When an alien is approved for citizenship, local government will
conduct a naturalisation ceremony and present a certificate.
30
Learning Point
Have you ever been woken up in the morning by the sound of the
garbage truck collecting your rubbish? Your local government is
responsible for collecting garbage from your street.
31
Time Machine
Can you imagine what it would be like without garbage
collection? In 1884, Eugène Poubelle introduced the first
garbage bins and collection system to Paris. In France the bin is
still called “Poubelle.”
31
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: A POWER HUNGRY ALIEN
LEARNING POINTS (CONTINUED)
TYPE
CONTENT
SCENE #
Time Machine
Before there was garbage collection, people would often just
toss their rubbish out the window! 50 years ago, people were
much less wasteful and would reuse or repurpose unwanted
items for other uses. This was before the term ‘recycle’
was invented!
33
Learning Point
Whilst electricity supply is the responsibility of the state
government, maintenance of street lamps is the responsibility
of local government?
35
Learning Point
On Clean Up Australia Day 2013, six out of the top 10 items
collected, could have been recycled. Household recycling is the
responsibility of your local government.
39
Learning Point
Without adequate roads and signs, this rubbish truck might not
be able to get where it needs to go. Roads and street signs in
your neighborhood are the responsibility of your
local government.
40
Learning Point
When the garbage truck collects your rubbish, it takes it to
a waste transfer station and the rubbish is sorted for either
recycling, treatment or disposal. Waste Transfer Stations are the
responsibility of your local government.
45
Learning Point
Did you know that whilst local government is responsible for
garbage collection, your state government is responsible for
sustainability and state-wide waste management and planning?
48
Learning Point
On Clean Up Australia Day in 2013, there were 18,129 tons of
rubbish collected. The majority of the rubbish (37%) was waste
from disposable drinks (bottles, lids, straws etc.)
51
Learning Point
There are good reasons why Duncan shouldn’t have been
playing “Alien Kill 4”. What do you think those reasons are?
58
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LAND
In this story, Jenny invents a shrink ray for a science competition but accidently shrinks
herself. She manages to return to normal by using the ‘grow juice’ that her friend has
invented for the competition. Students discover the role of local, state and federal
governments in managing schools, pools and recreation, libraries, noise restrictions,
telecommunications, public transport and animal control.
SELF DIRECTED ACTIVITY
Ask students to make a list of all the events in Jenny’s story that are related to the responsibilities of the
local, state or federal governments. Have students fill in the ‘three levels of government and me’ chart
showing activities that they do in a typical day and which levels of government are responsible for the
services that help to make these happen.
Examples:
• Having a shower – water is managed by the state government.
• Call a friend – telecommunications are handled by the federal government.
• Swimming lessons – pools are managed by local government.
SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY
Ask students to research two levels of government and compare and contrast their features using a Venn
diagram. Encourage students to consider topics such as taxation, constitution, elections, voting, parliament,
representatives, laws and other aspects of government. The ‘About Parliament’ section of the Parliament
of Victoria website www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/the-parliamentary-system would be a good place for
students to start their research.
Get students to discuss the similarities and differences that they found between the two different levels
of government.
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LAND
WHOLE-CLASS ACTIVITY
In a small group, ask students to choose one of the services managed by the local, state or federal
government covered in Jenny’s story that they use frequently. E.g. library, communications (telephone/
internet), public transport, swimming pool. Ask students to think about how the service could be improved
in their area. Students should also research how they might influence those in power to make changes. Ask
students to prepare a presentation to the class about what they have found.
Students should consider:
• Which level of government is responsible for this service?
• What changes or improvements would they recommend to make this service better?
• Who makes decisions about this service i.e. minister, local member of parliament, mayor, councillor?
• Who could they contact to voice their opinion?
• Are there any groups that pressure those in power to make changes in this area?
• Are there any other ways that they might be able to influence people in power to make changes?
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PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS
THREE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT AND ME
ACTIVITY
E.g. Catching the bus
LOCAL
GOVERNMENT
STATE
GOVERNMENT
Street signs
Public transport
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FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT
PARLIAMENT OF VICTORIA INTERACTIVE COMICS
DIFFERENT
SAME
DIFFERENT
VENN DIAGRAM: COMPARE LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LAND
QUIZ
#
QUESTION
ANSWER
1
Which level of government provides the community with
swimming pools?
Local
2
Horticulture is the responsibility of which level of government?
State
3
Keeping accurate time and GPS positioning on your mobile phone is
done using satellites in space. Which level of government is responsible
for space technologies?
Federal
4
Which level of government is responsible for our public transport system?
State
5
Which level of government can help you patent your invention?
Federal
6
Which level of government operates public libraries?
Local
7
Which level of government operates government schools in Victoria?
State
8
Which level of government looks after health and safety at pools?
Local
9
Who builds and looks after recreation facilities in your neighborhood?
Local
10
Which level of government is responsible for telecommunications?
Federal
11
Who do you contact if you are disturbed by loud noises in
your neighborhood?
Local
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LAND
LEARNING POINTS
TYPE
CONTENT
SCENE #
Learning Point
Did you know that the state government operates around 1590
government schools in Victoria, including both Primary and
Secondary schools?
1
Learning Point
The federal government operates the Commonwealth Scientific
and Industrial Research Organisation. The CSIRO is Australia’s
national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse
research agencies in the world.
3
Time Machine
In 1958 the black box flight recorder, (it’s actually bright orange
in color), was invented by Dr David Warren in Melbourne.
3
Learning Point
How many sporting grounds, play grounds and parks are in your
neighborhood? Your local government builds and looks after
these recreation facilities.
5
Learning Point
Swimming pools are carefully maintained so they are safe to use.
Your local government looks after health and safety at pools.
6
Time Machine
Before “Olympic” swimming pools became popular, most
Victorians swam in rivers, lakes, dams, quarries or water tanks.
6
Learning Point
Public libraries across Victoria offer a wide range of services
such as resources for research, holiday reading or using
multimedia. Did you know that public libraries are operated
by your local government?
8
Learning Point
Did you know that the federal government provides around
$879 million a year for research and innovation?
11
Time Machine
Self-propelled rotary hoe. In 1912 at the age of 16, Cliff Howard
of Gilgandra invented a machine with rotating hoe blades on
an axle that simultaneously hoed the ground and pulled the
machine forward.
11
Time Machine
The world’s first feature length film was made in Victoria in 1906
by Charles Tait. The film was called “The Story of the Kelly
Gang”. It was just over an hour long.
16
Learning Point
Did you know that making a loud noise at night can be disturbing
for your neighbors? Local government is responsible for
controlling noise pollution. 17
Learning Point
Do you have a great idea for a new invention? The federal
government is responsible for IP Australia, the organisation that
can help you patent your invention.
18
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LAND
LEARNING POINTS (CONTINUED)
TYPE
CONTENT
SCENE #
Time Machine
Many inventions have resulted in economic and social changes.
Famous Australian inventions include H V McKay’s (1885)
improvements in the “sunshine harvester” and Professor G
Clark’s (1978) cochlear bionic ear implant.
18
Learning Point
The Australian Synchrotron is located in Clayton, a suburb of
Melbourne. Synchrotrons use electricity to produce intense
beams of light a million times brighter than the sun. Researchers
use the synchrotron to invent ways to tackle diseases, make
plants more productive and metals more resilient.
20
Learning Point
The term ‘telecommunications’ refers to ways of communicating
with others using technologies such as telephones, television,
radio, mobile devices and the internet. The federal government is
responsible for telecommunications.
25
Time Machine
The telegraph was a communications system that used
a conducting wire. It provided links across Australia in the 1800s.
Morse code, written as dots and dashes, was used to translate
the signals to messages by representing letters of the alphabet
and numbers with combinations of short and long electric
signals.
25
Learning Point
Did you know that keeping accurate time and GPS positioning
on your mobile phone is done using satellites in space?
The federal government is responsible for Australia’s space
technology programs.
29
Time Machine
In 1929, Alfred Traeger designed the pedal-powered radio for the
Royal Flying Doctor Service.
29
Learning Point
Are dogs allowed to run loose on the streets? Local government
is responsible for animal welfare in your neighborhood.
33
Learning Point
The state government is responsible for our public transport
system, which moves thousands of people around Victoria on
buses, trams and trains.
32
Learning Point
The roads in your neighborhood are built and looked after by
local government. State and federal government also look after
highways and freeways.
36
Learning Point
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries, (DEPI),
looks after horticulture. Victorian horticulturists grow mainly fruit,
berries, nuts, grapes and vegetables. The state government
would like to double production of these crops by 2030.
42
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TEACHER’S GUIDE: SUPER AWESOME SPLASH LAND
LEARNING POINTS (CONTINUED)
TYPE
CONTENT
SCENE #
Learning Point
Wi-Fi has been claimed as an Australian invention. In 2009 and
2012, technology companies agreed to pay CSIRO $470 million
for WiFi patent infringements. Global firms in the United States
are required to pay the CSIRO licensing rights, estimated to be
an additional $1 billion in royalties.
44
Time Machine
In 1906, the surf lifesaving reel was designed by Lyster Ormsby
to allow a lifesaver wearing a vest with a rope attached to reach
a distressed swimmer.
44
Learning Point
Australian swimming successes at the Melbourne (1956),
Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964) Olympics fuelled enthusiasm
for competitive swimming in pools. Swimming pools came to be
seen as a standard local government community facility that was
available to all Australians.
50
Time Machine
Prevention of drowning was a key objective of the Department of
Education by promoting swimming and lifesaving
skills in Victoria. In 1903 the Minister for Education created
a certificate for all pupils who could “(a) swim 50 yards in a
reasonable time; (b) float for at least one minute; and (c) enter
the water by a fairly neat dive.”
50
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