The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.
The Australian Government is committed to achieving gender equality in Australia. Women’s leadership, representation and decision-making is one of the key priority areas of Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality. Having women in visible, influencing and decision-making leadership positions is key. Evidence tells us when women are in visible decision-making positions and genuinely consulted within these spaces - economies and the whole of society benefits.
The government is committed to advancing gender equality as a national priority and is taking a whole-of-government approach.
Gender equality brings with it opportunities for women and men to thrive, making our economy stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable.
The Office for Women is dedicated to providing quality gender advice and delivering effective policies and programs for the Minister for Women and the Prime Minister.
In Australia, progress continues on improving gender equality in workplaces. The gender pay gap decreased from 18.6% a decade ago to 11.9% in 20241. Women’s workforce participation reached an all-time high of 63.5% in January 2025, compared to 58.6% 10 years ago2. The proportion of employers offering paid parental leave reached 68% in 2023–24, up from 48% in 2015–163.
The Administrative Arrangements Order (AAO) formally allocates executive responsibility among ministers. It sets out which matters and legislation are administered by which department or portfolio.
The current consolidated AAO is located on the Federal Register of Legislation.
The AAO as originally made and subsequent amendments are located on the left side bar.
Administrative Arrangements Order (AAOs) formally allocate executive responsibility among ministers. They set out which matters and legislation are administered by which department or portfolio.
On 23 June 2022, the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, made an Administrative Arrangements Order to commence on 1 July 2022.
Administrative Arrangements Order (AAOs) formally allocate executive responsibility among ministers. They set out which matters and legislation are administered by which department or portfolio.
Administrative Arrangements Order (AAOs) formally allocate executive responsibility among ministers. They set out which matters and legislation are administered by which department or portfolio.
Amendments made 15 April 2021, 10 June 2021, 28 June 2021 and 2 July 2021.
Administrative Arrangements Order (AAOs) formally allocate executive responsibility among ministers. They set out which matters and legislation are administered by which department or portfolio.
Amendments made 5 March 2020 and 2 April 2020
The new AAO reflects the following changes:
Administrative Arrangements Order (AAOs) formally allocate executive responsibility among ministers. They set out which matters and legislation are administered by which department or portfolio.
Amendments made 8 August 2019 and 1 December 2019.
On 29 May 2019, the Governor-General made a new Administrative Arrangements Order (AAO) to replace the Order made on 4 April 2019. The new Order reflects changes to administrative arrangements recommended by the Prime Minister.
The new AAO reflects the following changes:
Administrative Arrangements Order (AAOs) formally allocate executive responsibility among ministers. They set out which matters and legislation are administered by which department or portfolio.