Cabinet Handbook - 16th edition

The Cabinet Handbook sets out the structure, practices and processes of the Government’s Cabinet and its committees.

Annex A - Cabinet committees

Expenditure Review Committee (ERC)

ERC considers new expenditure and revenue proposals during and between Budget updates, informed by gender analysis in line with gender responsive budgeting requirements. Decisions of the ERC require the endorsement of the Cabinet.

Members:

  • The Hon Anthony Albanese MP (Chair)
  • The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP (Deputy Chair)
  • Senator the Hon Penny Wong
  • Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
  • The Hon Richard Marles MP
  • The Hon Mark Butler MP
  • The Hon Catherine King MP
  • The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
  • The Hon Dr Daniel Mulino MP

Government Communications Committee (GCC)

GCC provides oversight and coordination of government advertising campaigns. Decisions of the GCC require the endorsement of the Cabinet.

Members:

  • Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher (Chair)
  • Senator the Hon Don Farrell
  • The Hon Jason Clare MP (Deputy Chair)
  • Senator the Hon Murray Watt
  • The Hon Patrick Gorman MP

National Security Committee (NSC)

NSC considers the highest-priority, highest-risk and most strategic national security matters of the day. Decisions of the NSC do not require the endorsement of the Cabinet.

Members:

  • The Hon Anthony Albanese MP (Chair)
  • The Hon Richard Marles MP (Deputy Chair)
  • Senator the Hon Penny Wong
  • The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP 
  • Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher
  • The Hon Tony Burke MP
  • The Hon Chris Bowen MP
  • The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
  • The Hon Pat Conroy MP

Parliamentary Business Committee (PBC)

PBC considers priorities for the government’s legislation program. Decisions of the PBC do not require the endorsement of the Cabinet.

Members:

  • The Hon Tony Burke MP (Chair) 
  • Senator the Hon Penny Wong (Deputy Chair)
  • Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher 
  • The Hon Mark Butler MP
  • The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
  • The Hon Patrick Gorman MP

Priority and Delivery Committee (PDC)

PDC provides regular oversight of the delivery of key government policies and priorities. Decisions of the PDC require the endorsement of the Cabinet.

Members:

  • The Hon Anthony Albanese MP (Chair)
  • The Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP
  • Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

National Security Investment Subcommittee (NSIS)

NSIS considers lower-risk, operational and technical national security matters which are primarily financial in nature, however may also include policy considerations. The NSIS is a subcommittee of the NSC. Decisions of the NSIS require the endorsement of the NSC.

Members:

  • Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher (Chair)
  • The Hon Richard Marles MP (Deputy Chair)
  • The Hon Tony Burke MP
  • The Hon Pat Conroy MP