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Domestic Policy

Domestic policy covers priorities that affect the lives of all Australians. Our work involves advising the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and Portfolio Ministers on issues such as jobs and economic growth, the budget, industry, infrastructure, agriculture, innovation, health, education and the environment. Our aim is to provide the Government with high quality advice on how to make Australia more prosperous, successful and stronger.

Current Initiatives

A More Innovative and Agile Australia

A More Innovative and Agile Australia

New ideas in innovation and science will be major drivers of Australia’s future economic prosperity.

Agriculture

As part of the Domestic Policy Group we provide advice on agriculture related matters from a whole of government perspective.

Behavioural Economics

Behavioural Economics

Our work encourages people-centred design, which means: simpler, clearer and faster public services.

Cities

Australia’s growth as a knowledge-based economy, and the prosperity this offers, goes hand-in-hand with the growth of our cities and the regions surrounding them.

Early Childhood Education and Care, Schools and Higher Education

Early Childhood Education and Care, Schools and Higher Education

We are looking at national funding arrangements for schools beyond 2018.

Effective Commonwealth-State Relations

Effective Commonwealth-State Relations

We support the development of productive relationships between state, territory and Commonwealth Governments to promote policy reforms of national significance.

Improving the Health System

Improving the Health System

The Australian Government has reached agreement with the states and territories on additional funding for public hospital services over the next three years.

Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency

Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency

The Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency (IPFA) was established as a small agency within the Prime Minister’s portfolio on 1 July 2017 to advise the Government on funding and financing options for infrastructure projects. Further information about the IPFA can be found at www.ipfa.gov.au

Infrastructure and regional development

Infrastructure and Regional Development

We provide advice on infrastructure and regional development from a whole of government perspective to the Prime Minister and Cabinet. We work with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to deliver infrastructure programmes to build our nation.

Religious Freedom Review

Religious Freedom Review

On 18 May 2018, the Panel delivered its Report to the Prime Minister.

Social Services and Immigration

Social Services and Immigration

We work with other Government organisations on a range of social services and immigration policies and issues.

Strengthening the Budget and the Economy

Strengthening the Budget and the Economy

We work closely with other Government organisations on tax reform, improved employment outcomes, and economic development policies.

Tackling Climate Change, Energy Productivity and Improving Our Environment

Tackling Climate Change and Improving Our Environment

Addressing issues related to climate change, energy, biodiversity and water resources is important for the quality of our environment, our economy and society.

Taskforces on Past Domestic Policy Initiatives

Taskforces on Past Domestic Policy Initiatives

Past initiatives include the UNFCCC, the National Ice Taskforce and the Agricultural Competitiveness White paper.

Latest News

Behavioural insights driving public policy innovation

Behavioural Economics

Friday, 22 June 2018

In the lead up to BX2018, the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) has released two reports demonstrating how behavioural insights can improve Australian public policy.

Green Behavioural Exchange conference branding. In the background is a greyscale picture of the Sydney Opera House and a stormy sky.

PMC Secretary to give BX2018 opening address

Behavioural Economics

Wednesday, 20 June 2018

Dr Martin Parkinson AC, Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, will give the opening address at BX2018, the Behavioural Exchange 2018 conference in Sydney next week.

Statement from the Panel

Religious Freedom Review

Friday, 18 May 2018

Today, the Expert Panel conducting the Religious Freedom Review provided its Report on freedom of religion in Australia.

Resources

Religious Freedom Review Terms of Reference

Domestic Policy

14th December 2017

Expert Panel to examine religious freedom protection in Australia Terms of Reference (ToR).

Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce

Domestic Policy

6th December 2015

This is the Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce.

UNFCCC Taskforce - Review Report

Domestic Policy

21st August 2015

This is the final report of the UNFCCC Taskforce, "Setting Australia's post-2020 target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions".

Australia’s emissions projections

Domestic Policy

11th August 2015

Australia’s 2030 target is strong, credible and responsible. It will require significant and sustained effort to achieve, given our national circumstances.

Fact Sheet - Actions Australia is taking

Domestic Policy

11th August 2015

Australia is meeting our climate change targets through Direct Action policies that reduce emissions, increase productivity and improve the health of the environment.