The Cabinet system

1. The Cabinet is the apex of executive government decision-making. The Cabinet comprises senior ministers, who are part of a broader ministry.
2. The Cabinet is established by convention. It is not mentioned in the Australian Constitution or in legislation. The Prime Minister determines the shape and structure of the Cabinet and how it operates.
3. The Cabinet meets regularly to set clear priorities for the government, take important decisions for the government and ensure implementation and delivery of the government’s priorities. The outcomes of the Cabinet’s deliberations may require action by the Governor-General, ministers, statutory office holders or departments to be put into effect.
4. The Prime Minister may establish standing committees of the Cabinet, referred to as Cabinet committees. Annex A sets out the terms of reference, membership and chairing arrangements for these committees.
5. The Prime Minister may also establish time-limited committees or ministerial taskforces to address specific issues. The Prime Minister determines membership, chairing arrangements and terms of reference of these bodies, with deliberations reported to the Cabinet for consideration.

The Prime Minister

6. The Prime Minister is the head of the Australian Government. The role and office are established by convention. The Prime Minister advises the Governor-General on the appointment of ministers and determines which ministers will form the Cabinet. The size of the Cabinet is a matter for the Prime Minister. The Ministers of State Act 1952 provides for no more than 30 ministers and no more than 12 parliamentary secretaries (known as assistant ministers). Ministers who are not appointed to the Cabinet are known as the outer ministry.
7. As chair of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister sets the Cabinet’s agenda and determines when and where meetings take place. The Prime Minister leads and guides discussion in the Cabinet to achieve collective decisions. In exceptional circumstances where a collective decision of the Cabinet is not possible, the Prime Minister’s view is authoritative.

The Cabinet Secretary

8. The Prime Minister may appoint a Cabinet Secretary who has delegated responsibility for the day-to-day procedural and operational matters of the Cabinet and committees.
9. The Cabinet Secretary supports the Prime Minister and ministers by ensuring that the Cabinet and its committees run smoothly, decisions are well prepared and government priorities are advanced efficiently.
10. Acting under the Prime Minister’s delegation, the Cabinet Secretary works to:
    1. Help ministers bring forward proposals at the right time for Cabinet or committee consideration.
    2. Coordinate the forward work program so ministers’ items are scheduled in a way that supports timely decision-making.
    3. Set and confirm agendas, giving ministers clear visibility and certainty about Cabinet business.
    4. Provide guidance on quality and timeliness of submissions, supporting ministers to meet Cabinet standards.
    5. Offer advice on Cabinet documentation, ensuring proposals are presented clearly and effectively.
    6. Record and authorise Cabinet deliberations, so that ministers’ contributions are accurately reflected in Cabinet decisions.
    7. Be present at Cabinet and committee meetings to provide procedural advice and practical assistance.
    8. Manage ministerial absences, ensuring Cabinet business continues seamlessly.
    9. Facilitate participation of non-Cabinet ministers, assistant ministers, officials and staff, so ministers have the right expertise and voices in the room.
11. The Cabinet Secretary attends all meetings of the Cabinet and is responsible for authorising Cabinet minutes, which record the decisions of the Cabinet and committees. The Cabinet Secretary may also attend committee meetings.

Cabinet Division

12. Cabinet Division in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet provides continuity and impartial support to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary and committee Chairs.
13. Cabinet Division’s responsibilities include:
    1. Providing advice to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary about Cabinet and committee matters.
    2. Coordinating the triannual bid process for the Cabinet forward work program.
    3. Advising the Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary about the forward work program and the scheduling of items to Cabinet and committee agendas.
    4. Providing advice to departments on Cabinet and committee matters.
    5. Coordinating and distributing Cabinet agendas, submissions and other documentation to ministers and departments.
    6. Managing logistical arrangements for the Cabinet and committee meetings, including venues, attendance and record-keeping.
    7. Supporting ministers during meetings, including distribution of documents in the Cabinet room where required.
    8. Finalising Cabinet minutes and managing their distribution.