Secretaries Board communique: 16 July 2025

The Secretaries Board met at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The Board welcomed Mr Mike Kaiser, Secretary, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

The Board discussed the following matters.

Strategic Outlook

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

The Board received an update on geostrategic issues from Mr Craig Maclachlan, Acting Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ms Justine Greig PSM, Deputy Secretary, Department of Defence.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has concluded his second official visit to China, marking a further step forward in stabilising relations between our countries.

In Shanghai, the Prime Minister met leading businesses from Australia and China to discuss deepening trade and business ties, including through new markets and innovation in the agriculture, resources, education and services sectors.

Instrument of appointment of Mr Mike Kaiser

Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) Appointment 2025

I, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council and under subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999, appoint Mr Michael Kaiser as the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for a period of five years commencing on 14 July 2025.

NAIDOC Week 2025 at PM&C

During NAIDOC Week (6 to 13 July), PM&C staff took some time to attend a range of events and celebrate the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Across the week, staff were able to attend a number of events. This included a flag raising and Welcome to Country, storytelling with Ngunnawal Elder Serena Williams, bush tucker sampling, First Nations Cultural Awareness Training, touch football carnival and a historical NAIDOC poster gallery display.

Revocation of appointments of ministers of state: 1 July 2025

I, Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, revoke, under section 64 of the Constitution, the appointments of the following persons:

  1. Katherine Ruth Gallagher to administer the Department of Social Services;
  2. Mark Christopher Butler to administer the Department of Social Services; and
  3. Jennifer Ryll McAllister to administer the Department of Social Services.

The revocation of these appointments is to take effect on 1 July 2025.

ASEAN

Australia sees ASEAN at the centre of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, where sovereignty is respected, and all countries benefit from strategic balance. Australia recognises ASEAN centrality as key to the region's stability and security, and we are committed to supporting ASEAN's leadership. Our relationship is based on friendship, mutual trust, shared interests and a positive vision for our region's future.

Australia became ASEAN's first Dialogue Partner in 1974. On 4-6 March 2024, Australia held the ASEAN–Australia Special Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations. Together, leaders shared their vision for our region, and discussed ways to strengthen our practical cooperation, from deepening ties between our people and economies, to boosting our cooperation on education, and environmental issues. 

For more detailed information about Australia and ASEAN's relationship, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Submission to the review of Schedule 9 of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025

In May 2025, the interim head of the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission made a submission to the Review of Schedule 9 of the Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Act 2025 by the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee. Schedule 9 establishes the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission from 29 September, to inquire and report on issues relating to systemic reform to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.

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