Acting minister arrangements: 1 April to 30 June 2026
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Nil.
Attorney-General’s
Nil.
Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Council communique: 7 August 2026
The Women and Women’s Safety Ministerial Council (the Council) was convened virtually today, bringing together Commonwealth and state and territory governments to drive national progress on gender equality and ending gender-based violence.
The Council welcomed new and returning members:
National Women’s Alliances come to PM&C
The Office for Women recently hosted the annual National Women’s Alliances Forum, bringing together representatives from the 5 National Women’s Alliances to discuss key issues affecting women across Australia.
The forum provided an opportunity for the alliances to share their expertise, evidence and community insights on current policy priorities, including the next phase of work under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, employment services reform, and the future of work and caring.
Cabinet Handbook (16th edition) now available
Since 1983, the Australian Government has issued a Cabinet Handbook that outlines the structure, conventions and processes that guide the Cabinet and its committees.
The Handbook is an important resource for ministers, ministerial offices and Australian Government departments involved in supporting Cabinet business. It provides a framework for considering complex issues, making informed decisions and advancing government priorities in the national interest.
Secretaries Board communique: 15 July 2026
Strategic outlook
The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.
Parliamentary Budget Officer update
The Board received an update from Ms Sam Reinhardt, Parliamentary Budget Officer, on the work of the Parliamentary Budget Office.
Other business
The Board congratulated Ms Katherine Jones PSM on being re-appointed as Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department.
Next meetings
The next Secretaries Board meeting is scheduled for 19 August 2026.
Office of AI
The office will coordinate across Australian Government agencies to design and legislate the new Australia artificial intelligence (AI) standard and unlock AI training in Australia. These standards will include mandatory requirements for large AI data centres, including setting standards for energy and water, with strong copyright protections for Australian creators.
Working closely with the Minister for Industry and Innovation, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the Office of AI will bring together the work ministers are undertaking across government to ensure that investment in AI benefits the Australian people, is aligned with our values, and advances our national interests.
You can read more in the Prime Minister’s AI in Australia’s interests announcement.
Energy plan customer research
BETA is working with the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) to conduct research to better understand what helps customers comprehend retail plans designed for customers with energy assets (e.g. solar, batteries, EVs).
Impact Analysis Policy Framework has changed
An updated version of the Australian Government’s Impact Analysis Policy Framework (the framework) is now in effect. The framework is designed to help policy makers better understand the wider impacts of policy proposals before decisions are made.
Whether you're developing policy, designing a program or preparing advice, impact analysis helps ensure decision-makers have a clear picture of the cost and benefits of the policy options.