What is the prime minister's role?
Role of the Prime Minister in Australia
Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)
Role of the Prime Minister in Australia
Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)
Description
The Prime Minister is:
- the most senior minister in the Australian Government
- the key spokesperson for Australia
- the head of Cabinet
- the leader of the government.
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Thanks for your question. As the leader of the government, the Prime Minister has many roles, including:
- selecting members of the government to be ministers
- leading Cabinet – the Prime Minister and senior ministers – in deciding government policy
- chairing meetings in which the government discusses policies and examines bills – proposed laws
- acting as the chief government spokesperson in Parliament and in the community
- representing the Australian Government overseas
- advising the Governor-General about important issues such as the appointment of ambassadors and heads of government departments and when to call a federal election
- advising the Governor-General about constitutional matters.