What is the prime minister's role?

The Prime Minister is the key spokesperson of the Australian Government, head of Cabinet, leader of the government.

Role of the Prime Minister in Australia.

Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

Role of the Prime Minister in Australia.

The Prime Minister is the key spokesperson of the Australian Government, head of Cabinet, leader of the government.

Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

Description

This graphic shows that the Prime Minister is the most senior minister in the Australian Government as well as being key spokesperson for Australia, the head of Cabinet and the leader of the government.

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.