PM&C provides high-quality, evidence-based advice to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and portfolio ministers to inform decision-making
PM&C operates as a central agency, bringing a whole-of-government approach and a whole‑of‑nation perspective to support the Prime Minister, Cabinet and portfolio ministers in their decision‑making. This is in pursuit of our purpose: to improve the lives of all Australians, advance Australia’s interests, and keep our country safe and prosperous.
We support informed decision-making by providing robust, evidence-based advice that draws on diverse perspectives, is analysis driven and is provided in a timely manner reflecting the government’s priorities. The effectiveness and timeliness of this advice are assessed through a series of performance measures.
Measure 1.1: Percentage of key stakeholders (Prime Minister and relevant ministers) that are satisfied with PM&C’s advice
| Period | 2026–27 | 2027–28 | 2028–29 | 2029–30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | 79% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
Rationale
Maintaining stakeholder satisfaction with the effectiveness, timeliness and responsiveness of our advice is key to achieving our purpose and is an important way to measure our success.
Methodology
Satisfaction is measured through a survey of the Prime Minister and relevant ministers. The survey is conducted by an independent provider and assesses overall satisfaction, effectiveness of advice, communication and engagement. Refer to note 1 in appendix B for additional information on the survey approach.
Data source
Data is collected from a survey of the Prime Minister and relevant ministers.
Measure type
Quantitative and qualitative measuring effectiveness and timeliness.
Caveats
- The measure only reflects the views of ministers (not other stakeholders).
- The Prime Minister’s response makes up 50% of the overall result.
Changes from previous year
In the Corporate Plan 2025–26, this measure covered all key stakeholders and was identified as measure 1.1: Percentage of key stakeholders that are satisfied with PM&C’s advice, under key activity 1: Provide informed, impactful and timely advice.
From 2026–27, it has been split into 2 measures due to changes in PM&C’s key activities:
- measure 1.1: Percentage of key stakeholders (Prime Minister and relevant ministers) that are satisfied with PM&C’s advice, under key activity 1: Advise
- measure 2.1: Percentage of key stakeholders (non-ministerial stakeholders) that are satisfied with PM&C’s advice, under key activity 2: Collaborate.
Measure 1.2: Percentage of key stakeholders satisfied with the coordination and support provided for international engagements
| Period | 2026–27 | 2027–28 | 2028–29 | 2029–30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | 79% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
Rationale
Maintaining the satisfaction of stakeholders with the coordination and support provided by PM&C for international engagements is key to achieving our purpose and is an important way to measure our success.
Methodology
Satisfaction with and effectiveness of communication and engagement efforts are measured through a survey with key external stakeholders. The survey is conducted by an independent survey provider. Refer to note 1 in appendix B for additional information on the survey approach.
Data source
Data is collected from a survey of ministerial and non-ministerial external stakeholders.
Measure type
Quantitative and qualitative measuring effectiveness and timeliness.
Caveats
- The measure reflects satisfaction with both coordination and support and the timeliness of advice.
- It reflects the views of the Prime Minister, relevant portfolio ministers and non‑ministerial stakeholders.
- Results are weighted equally between ministerial and non‑ministerial stakeholders.
- The Prime Minister’s response makes up 25% of the overall result.
Changes from previous year
In the Corporate Plan 2025–26, this measure was identified as measure 2.2, under key activity 2: Provide coordination and support for government priorities and initiatives.
From 2026–27, it has been moved to key activity 1: Advise. This reflects changes to PM&C’s key activities.
Measure 1.3: Percentage of incoming ministerial correspondence triaged and assigned for appropriate action within 5 working days
| Period | 2026–27 | 2027–28 | 2028–29 | 2029–30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | 95% | 95% | 95% | 95% |
Rationale
Timely and effective handling of correspondence is a key way PM&C supports the Prime Minister to engage with stakeholders and the Australian community. Ministerial correspondence includes correspondence to the Prime Minister from heads of government and heads of state, members of parliament, organisations or members of the public. Managing this correspondence is one of the primary ways we support the Prime Minister to engage with stakeholders and the Australian community.
It is important that we triage all correspondence, consider response options, and assign correspondence for appropriate action as efficiently as possible. This includes triage, consideration of response options, and assignment of high-volume correspondence from a range of stakeholders, including heads of government and state, parliamentarians, organisations and members of the public.
Methodology
Performance is assessed based on the proportion of incoming ministerial correspondence triaged and assigned within 5 working days. Results are reported using a 3-point scale:
- Achieved – 95% or more of correspondence triaged and assigned in 5 working days
- Partially achieved – 70% to 94% of correspondence triaged and assigned in 5 working days
- Not achieved – less than 70% of correspondence triaged and assigned in 5 working days.
Data is extracted from the Parliamentary Document Management System (PDMS) through a request to the Department of Finance, which manages the system. The dataset includes correspondence received via the Contact the PM web form, Australia Post, emails to PM&C ministerial offices, and correspondence referred from electorate or ministerial offices.
Results are calculated as the number of items triaged and assigned within 5 working days, divided by the total number of items received during the reporting period, multiplied by 100.
Triaging correspondence within 5 working days supports timeliness, accountability, effective risk management and informed decision‑making. It underpins public confidence and safeguards the integrity of government processes.
Data source
Data is drawn from PDMS, which supports the management of ministerial correspondence, executive communications, briefings and submissions, and general communications (up to the PROTECTED level).
Measure type
Quantitative measuring output and timeliness.
Caveats
- Correspondence volumes can vary significantly due to global and domestic events and media cycles.
- These fluctuations can affect performance and make results difficult to predict.
- This measure applies only to correspondence to the Prime Minister, not other portfolio ministers.
Changes from previous year
Not applicable.
Measure 1.4: Percentage of key stakeholders (Prime Minister and relevant ministers) satisfied with PM&C’s support to the Cabinet and its committees
| Period | 2026–27 | 2027–28 | 2028–29 | 2029–30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | 79% | 80% | 80% | 80% |
Rationale
Maintaining the satisfaction of stakeholders with PM&C’s support to the Cabinet and its committees is key to achieving our purpose and is an important way to measure our success.
Methodology
Satisfaction with and effectiveness of communication and engagement are measured through a survey of the Prime Minister and relevant ministers. The survey is conducted by an independent provider and assesses overall satisfaction with and effectiveness of support. Refer to note 1 in appendix B for additional information on the survey approach.
Data source
Data is collected from a survey of the Prime Minister and relevant ministers.
Measure type
Quantitative and qualitative measuring effectiveness and timeliness.
Caveats
- The measure reflects the views of ministers only (not non‑ministerial stakeholders).
- It relates to satisfaction with the effectiveness and timeliness of support to the Cabinet and its committees.
- The Prime Minister’s response makes up 50% of the overall result.
Changes from previous year
In the Corporate Plan 2025–26, this measure was identified as measure 3.1: Percentage of key stakeholders that are satisfied with PM&C’s support to the Cabinet and its committees, under key activity 3: Enable Cabinet operations.
From 2026–27, it has been split into 2 measures due to changes in PM&C’s key activities:
- measure 1.4: Percentage of key stakeholders (Prime Minister and relevant ministers) that are satisfied with PM&C’s support to the Cabinet and its committees, under key activity 1: Advise
- measure 2.4: Percentage of key stakeholders (non-ministerial stakeholders) satisfied with PM&C’s support to the Cabinet and its committees, under key activity 2: Collaborate.