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. 

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.

AUKUS

Through the AUKUS partnership, Australia is steadily building capabilities across government and industry to steward and operate our own fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the early 2030s (Pillar I). As we do this, Australia will continue to consult with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to develop a non-proliferation approach that sets the highest non-proliferation standard for the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine capability.

Appointment to the ABC and SBS Nomination Panel

The Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Dr Steven Kennedy PSM, has appointed Ms Phillipa McDermott as a Member of the Nomination Panel for appointments to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Boards. 

Appointed in accordance with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Act 1983, Ms McDermott’s term will run from 24 June 2026 to 23 June 2029.  

Secretaries Board communique: 17 June 2026

Strategic outlook

The Board discussed government priorities, strategic issues and emerging risks.

Auditor-General biannual update 

The Board received an update from Dr Caralee McLiesh PSM, Auditor-General, on sector-wide insights from the Australian National Audit Office’s recent work.

Systems of government significance declaration

The Board received an update on implementation of the Systems of Government Significance standard from Ms Stephanie Foster PSM, Secretary, Department of Home Affairs.

Fuel tax relief extended

The Prime Minister has announced the extension of fuel relief measures.

Cuts to the fuel excise duty rate on petrol and diesel will continue with a 16 cents per litre reduction from 1 July to 2 August 2026.

Relief for transport and freight operators will also be extended, with the heavy vehicle road user charge also reduced by 16 cents a litre from 1 July to 2 August 2026.

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