Roles and Powers of the PM, Cabinet and Ministry (Booklet 4)

Booklet 4

Define representative government

A form of government in which the people are sovereign and elect members to represent them in government.

What is the political executive?

The elected officials that formulate policy, introduce legislation and oversee government departments. It is comprised of the Prime Minister, Cabinet and Ministry.

What is a Prime Minister?

The leader of the party or coalition that controls a majority of seats in the HoR. They are the head of government and head of Cabinet.

What is Cabinet?

The group of Ministers & Assistant Ministers tasked with the administration of one or more government departments. (ie includes Cabinet Ministers)

What is a Ministry?

The group of Ministers & Assistant Ministers tasked with the administration of one or more government departments. (ie includes Cabinet Ministers)

What is the administrative executive?

The public servants responsible for implementing policies, providing advice and managing the day-to-day operations of the government.

Who is the current Prime Minister?

Anthony Albanese

Who is the current treasurer?

Jim Chamers

What is the composition of the 48th Parliament?

ALP - 04

Coalition - 42

Crossbench - 14

What are the combines roles of the Ministry and Cabinet?

i. Responding to crises

ii. Allocating resources

iii. Exchanging information

iv. Formulating policy and influencing lawmaking

v. Overseeing the executive

What is probity?

Refers to Ministers being held for their honesty, integrity and adherence to ethical standards. Ministers must avoid conflicts of interest and ensure their decsions serve public interest, rather than personal or political gain.

How is a ministers performance assessed?

Against their success of government policies, their ability to manage government departments, and their accountability in Parliament (e.g., Question Time, Senate Estimates).

What does s61 of the constitution provide the Cabinet/Ministry?

The ability to undertake actions crucial for national wellbeing. This includes spending money, using resources, and deploying the ADF.

What is an example for when the Cabinet/Ministry responded to a crsis?

1. March 2025, Minister for Emergency Management McAllister determined ex-tropical cyclone Alfred may cause a major disaster. This enabled people in affected areas to access the Disaster Recovery Allowance (up to $1,007 per fortnight)

2. March 2020, Minister for Health Hunt advised G-G to declare human biosecurity emergency due to outbreak of COVID-19. This enabled Hunt to ussue directions to manage the outbreak (e.g., enforcing social distancing, closure of business)

What statute allows Ministers to authorise deparmtmental spending?

Public Governance, Performance & Accountability Act (2013)