The States stand between the People and a Dictator (or Dictatorial Class of Elites).
The Premiers love their power and it diminishes the Federal Government's. It's the best way to have them (Premiers & PM) relatively under control.
I agree on cutting the duplication and expense but only a very young inexperienced and idealistic person would think that One Government would not waste as much money as Eight Governments. They all spend as much as we let them. The People are the ones to blame for the waste and the only ones that can rein it in.
