What is the difference between the role of the Federal Executive Council and the Cabinet?

Thanks for your question.

The executive government includes the Prime Minister and ministers. Cabinet is a group within the executive government consisting of the Prime Minister and top-level ministers, and is the main decision-making group within the executive.

The Federal Executive Council is made up of all government ministers and the Governor-General. The full Council does not meet; representatives meet with the Governor-General to advise about the work of the government. Policy is not debated at Council meetings; rather, the Council makes sure that government decisions are documented and legally valid under the Australian Constitution. 

A woman signs a document at desk in front of Australian flags.

The Governor-General signing a bill.

Mel Adams/DPS AUSPIC

The Governor-General signing a bill.

A woman signs a document at desk in front of Australian flags.

Mel Adams/DPS AUSPIC

Description

Australia's 28th Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, signing a bill, giving it royal assent. This bill now becomes an Act of parliament – a law.

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.