How is government policy shaped and developed by the Prime Minister and Cabinet?

Great question, Kathy!

Cabinet is made up of the Prime Minister and top-level ministers, and is the main decision-making body of the Australian Government. The Cabinet’s role is to direct government policy and make decisions about national issues, including which government bills – proposed laws – should be introduced in the Australian Parliament.

For example, if the Cabinet decides to introduce a bill to do with health, it will ask the Minister for Health to work with the Department of Health to prepare the bill.

The Cabinet can also direct a government department to investigate an issue and make recommendations to best address it. A Cabinet decision might:

  • explore how current policy or law is interpreted and enacted, and whether an amendment (a change to an existing law) is required
  • consider current policy and identify if a new law is required.
The Prime Minister and ministers having a meeting. They sit around a wooden table in the Cabinet Room.

The Cabinet in session

Mel Adams/DPS Auspic

The Cabinet in session

The Prime Minister and ministers having a meeting. They sit around a wooden table in the Cabinet Room.

Mel Adams/DPS Auspic

Description

Cabinet is a group of senior ministers in the government including the Prime Minister. The members of Cabinet are sitting around a large wooden table in the Cabinet Room having a meeting. In Cabinet meetings, ministers decide on government policy and national issues.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.