Review of Integrity Concerns and Governance Arrangements for the Management of Regional Processing Administration by the Department of Home Affairs

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet supported an independent Review of Integrity Concerns and Governance Arrangements for the Management of Regional Processing Administration by the Department of Home Affairs.

The Minister for Home Affairs, The Hon Clare O’Neil MP, announced the Review on 31 July 2023: Review of integrity and governance in the administration of regional processing arrangements

Independent Review of Commonwealth funding for strategic policy work

On 5 February 2024, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet launched the Independent Review of Commonwealth funding for strategic policy work.

The review assessed all Commonwealth funding to third party organisations that conduct national security-related research, education and engagement activities.

The review considered activities undertaken by agencies represented at the Secretaries’ Committee on National Security as well as other agencies, as these activities relate to national security outcomes.

The Australian Government provided its response to the final report of the review on 19 December 2024.

For more information

Australian Government Response to the Independent Review of Commonwealth funding for strategic policy work

Independent Review of Commonwealth funding for strategic policy work

Reviewer and responsibilities

The review looked to ensure these activities remain appropriately aligned to Australia’s national interests and strategic circumstances.

Mr Peter Varghese AO was selected to lead the review due to his skills and experience drawn from senior positions in foreign policy, trade and intelligence. Currently the Chancellor of the University of Queensland, Mr Varghese has served as Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Director-General of National Assessments.

The terms of reference for the review are available.

Contact

The Secretariat for the review has closed.

Contact us for enquiries regarding the review and the government’s response.

Review of the transfer of the 2003 Cabinet records from PM&C to the National Archives of Australia

Following a media query on 18 December 2023, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) identified that it had failed to transfer 78 Cabinet records from 2003 to the National Archives of Australia (NAA), in line with historical arrangements.

On 1 January 2024, Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary of PM&C commissioned an independent review of the transfer process for the 2003 records and to confirm all relevant records had been transferred to the NAA. Mr Dennis Richardson AC was appointed to conduct the review.

Australia Day 2024 Honours

Congratulations to the recipients in the Australia Day 2024 Honours List, who were announced today by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd).

The achievements of 1042 Australians across community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, were recognised in the Honours list, which includes:

Statement – Independent review into the transfer of 2003 Cabinet records to the National Archives of Australia

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has accepted all recommendations for the department from the independent review into the 2020 transfer of 2003 Cabinet records to the National Archives of Australia (NAA).

Secretary Professor Glyn Davis AC appointed Mr Dennis Richardson AC to undertake the review on 1 January 2024. The final report was delivered to the Secretary and Director-General of the NAA, Mr Simon Froude, on 25 January 2024. 

Australia’s gift to the new King and Queen of Denmark

The Australian Government has announced a national contribution, on behalf of the people of Australia, to mark the succession to the Danish throne by His Majesty King Frederik the 10th of Denmark, with Her Majesty Queen Mary.

A national contribution of $10,000 will go to registered charity Wildcare Tasmania to support its work towards conservation of the Tasmanian devil.

This contribution will directly support the charity’s research and trials to help the Tasmanian devils fight back from the devastating impact of a facial tumour disease.

Transfer of 2003 Cabinet records to the National Archives of Australia

In 2020 the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (the Department) transferred 2003 Cabinet records, including those prepared for the National Security Committee of Cabinet, to the National Archives of Australia (the Archives).

This is the normal process and allows time for appropriate consultation with relevant agencies to ensure content released is compliant with exemptions in the Archives Act 1983.

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