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

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Cabinet is made up of the Prime Minister and top-level ministers. It is the main decision-making group of the Australian Government. Members of Cabinet work together to debate and make decisions about laws, budgets and national priorities. Cabinet meets on a regular basis, often weekly.

The Federal Executive Council is made up of all government ministers and the Governor-General. The purpose of the Council is to inform the Governor-General about the work of the government, making sure that government decisions are documented and legally valid under the Australian Constitution. Policy is not debated at Federal Executive Council meetings. Meetings are usually attended by a few ministers, rather than the full Council.