The Division of Powers Crisis Activity

Approximately 60 minutes

Learning Intentions

• Demonstrate understanding of the different responsibilities of local, state, and federal governments by applying knowledge to scenarios.

• Analyse how governments cooperate in real‑world crises.

Materials to Print

1. Crisis Team Worksheet (1 per group)

2. Town Crisis Cards (5 versions)

Step 1 – Arrange Groups

Divide the class into 5 groups of 5 students. Each group is assigned to one of the fictional towns affected by the floods. Each group member takes on a role:

1. Local Government Representative

2. State Government Representative

3. Federal Government Representative

4. Group Facilitator

5. Scribe/Reporter

Step 2 – Group Planning (15 minutes)

Each group receives a Town Crisis Card and a Crisis Team Worksheet to read.

Step 3 – Group Presentations (15 minutes)

Each group presents a 2‑minute emergency plan. They should:

• Describe the town’s situation

• Explain how each level of government will respond

• Highlight how they are working together to solve problems

Step 4 – Class Discussion (5 minutes)

• Which level of government had the most responsibility?

• What challenges would happen without cooperation?

• What worked well across the groups?

Team Crisis Worksheet

Government Powers Quick Guide

Federal Government:

• National funding and grants

• Defence Force deployment

• Centrelink and emergency payments

State Government:

• Police, ambulance, fire, SES

• Hospitals and schools

• Declaring states of emergency

Local Government:

• Local roads and waste

• Emergency accommodation (community centres)

• Local volunteers and communication

The Main Scenario

In July 2025, an unprecedented weather system brings a week of continuous torrential rain to regional Australia. Rivers burst their banks, and flash floods sweep through several towns. Entire communities are isolated, roads are destroyed, power and phone services are down, and essential infrastructure like hospitals and evacuation centres are overwhelmed.

Five towns have been impacted: Kooravale, Marrinbar, Eagle's Crossing, Wirruna, and Dalmore Creek. Governments at all levels must urgently respond to save lives, protect infrastructure, encourage cooperation and assist with recovery.

Team Discussion Questions

• Describe the situation in their town

• Decide what each level of government can do

• Choose 3 key actions (one from each level)

• Identify one action requiring cooperation

• Prepare a 2‑minute presentation explaining responsibilities and reasoning

Town Crisis Scenario

Cut up and hand out.

Group 1: Kooravale

• Main hospital at capacity

• Power out in 60% of town

• Major bridges flooded

• 200 residents stuck at community sports centre

Group 2: Marrinbar

• Entire town cut off

• Food and fuel running out

• School used as evacuation centre

• Water treatment plant damaged

Group 3: Eagle’s Crossing

• Aged care home underwater

• Ambulance access blocked by landslides

• Power station damaged

• Emergency services stretched thin

Group 4: Kiruna

• Rising floodwaters

• No mobile coverage

• Indigenous community needs evacuation support

• Local council HQ inaccessible

Group 5: Dalmore Creek

• Local government depot flooded

• Public transport suspended

• Road to nearest hospital blocked

• SES overwhelmed by emergency calls