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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.

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 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.

Joint Agency Drought Taskforce

Joint Agency Drought Taskforce

Assistance for farmers, their families and rural communities

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.

The National Office For Child Safety

National Office for Child Safety

The National Office for Child Safety (the National Office) provides national leadership, working across governments and sectors, to deliver national policies and strategies to enhance children’s safety and reduce future harm to children.

Vocational education and training review

Vocational education and training review

Vocational education and training (VET) is central to the growth of Australian businesses and to the capacity of millions of Australians to succeed in a changing labour market.

Latest News

All Australian governments have agreed to the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations to help protect children and young people from harm and wrongdoing while in the care of organisations

New national approach to protect children from harm in organisations

National Office for Child Safety

Tuesday, 19 February 2019

View the new National Principles for Child Safe Organisations

Image of Mariam Chammat. She is smiling. The text reads: BETA podcast, Mariam Chammat.

BETA Podcast: Interview with Mariam Chammat

Behavioural Economics

Thursday, 07 February 2019

Mariam Chammat’s journey in behavioural science began with a trick her grandfather taught her – to put her ring on a different finger when she needed to remember something. As a teenager, her fascination with the human brain saw her consume hours of documentaries charting its quirks.

VET Review: Thoughts from the expert reviewer

Vocational education and training review

Friday, 01 February 2019

Find out what the expert reviewer has so far uncovered in the VET Review

Resources

National Principles for Child Safe Organisations poster

Domestic Policy

18th February 2019

Download and print the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations poster.

Biography - The Hon Steven Joyce

Domestic Policy

29th November 2018

Steven Joyce, the former New Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, will lead the Review.

Terms of Reference - Expert review of Australia’s vocational education and training system

Domestic Policy

29th November 2018

The Review will focus on how the Australian Government’s investment in VET could be more effective to provide Australians with the skills they need to be successful throughout their working life.

Assistance for individuals, families, farms and communities in drought regions

Domestic Policy

21st November 2018

Australian Government support and national services Individuals, families, farms and rural and regional communities can access a range of services and support to help them manage during times of drought and prepare for future conditions.

Coordinator General for Drought in the Media

Domestic Policy

19th September 2018

Read the latest Media items about the Coordinator General for Drought October 2018 Farmers delegates meet the Drought Co-ordinator, The Courier, 31/10/2018.