Premier & Cabinet

Type:
Premier's Memorandum
Identifier:
M1995-07
Status:
Archived

M1995-07 Ministerial Councils

Description

Superseded by M2009-09, Superseded by M2013-07.

Detailed Outline

I would like to clarify the protocols for the operation and attendance of Ministers at Ministerial Councils.

Ministerial Councils have become important mechanisms for intergovernmental consultation and decision-making. It is essential, therefore, that Ministers be in a position to properly reflect the interests and views of the Government when they meet with their Commonwealth, State and Territory counterparts.

In January 1993 Heads of Government agreed to a set of protocols which provide sensible and practical ground rules for Ministerial Councils while retaining appropriate practical flexibility in their operation. These protocols are attached for your information. They cover such issues as the representation of constituent Governments at and involvement of other parties in, Ministerial Council meetings; the development of the agenda for, and announcement of resolutions of meetings; arrangements for liaison among Ministerial Councils and between Ministerial Councils and Heads of Government; and the efficiency of the operations of Councils.

Also attached for your information is a list of current Ministerial Councils.

I would like to stress that it is essential for Ministers to seek Cabinet clearance in relation to any substantive change to, or announcement of, policy which might be agreed upon by a Ministerial Council. Ministers should decline to consider matters unless adequate notice of them has been given beforehand.

Specifically, draft papers should be circulated at least three weeks before meetings and final papers at least ten days before meetings. Upon receipt, copies of Ministerial Council agendas and relevant papers should be forwarded to the Director-General of The Cabinet Office together with your request for clearance in relation to any substantive policy positions you propose to put to the Ministerial Council meeting. Results of the Ministerial Council meetings should be reported to The Cabinet Office at the earliest opportunity.

Where Ministerial Councils have been combined, it would be appropriate for the Ministers involved to consult one another concerning items on the agenda, in order to determine whether it is necessary for more than one Minister to attend or whether one Minister could represent the State for all issues under consideration.

I would appreciate your full co-operation in ensuring that these measures are implemented successfully.

Yours sincerely,
Bob Carr,
Premier.

Overview

Compliance

Not Mandatory

AR Details

Date Issued
Jul 3, 2006
Review Date
Jul 3, 2016
Replaces
Replaced By

Contacts

Contact
Contact us
Phone
02 9228 5555
Publishing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Issuing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet