3.5 Ministerial Councils
Ministerial Councils are defined as a formal meeting of Ministers of the
Crown from more than four jurisdictions, usually including the Commonwealth, and
the States and Territories of the Australian Federation, which meet on a regular
basis for the purpose of intergovernmental consultation and cooperation, joint
policy development and joint action between governments.
It is the responsibility of Ministers to ensure they are prepared to
represent their government appropriately at Council meetings. This is of
particular importance where Council resolutions require commitment, especially
financial commitment, from respective governments. Ministers must not commit the
government to a course of action without the prior approval of Cabinet.
Issues with cross portfolio or whole of government implications, or of a
controversial nature in particular, may require careful prior consideration by
Cabinet. The operation of Ministerial Councils provides for the agenda to be
finalised three weeks prior to the meeting to allow for consideration by
Cabinet. Where new issues or alternative proposals arise at meetings on which a
Minister believes further consideration by Cabinet is required, it is the
responsibility of that Minister to make this position clear to the Council.
Within one month of the meeting, or within one month of the receipt of the
settled minutes, Ministers must provide a report to the Premier on the outcomes
of that meeting. The Premier will advise the Minister whether or not the report
needs to be considered by Cabinet, either as an Information or Policy
submission. Alternatively, the Premier may advise the Minister that the report
does not require Cabinet consideration and will indicate the appropriate course
of action.
Further details are outlined in the "Protocols for the Operation of Ministerial Councils" approved by the Council of Australian Governments.
Enquiries in this regard should be directed to the Policy Division, Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Last reviewed: 17 July, 2009
Last updated: 22 July, 2009
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