When was the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) officially established?

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) was established on March 12, 1971. This formation consolidated the functions of two previously separate departments.

What are the historical origins of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C)?

The origins of the PM&C can be traced back to the Prime Minister's Department, which was first established in July 1911. Before 1911, the Prime Minister did not have a dedicated department and concurrently served as the Minister for External Affairs, utilizing the services of the Department of External Affairs.

How does the PM&C assist the Prime Minister and the Federal Cabinet?

The PM&C provides crucial assistance to the Prime Minister and the Federal Cabinet by managing the Cabinet program, offering policy advice across government, and coordinating the implementation of key government initiatives. This support ensures the smooth functioning of the executive government.

What are some of the key policy areas that the PM&C coordinates?

The PM&C coordinates a wide array of policy areas, including intergovernmental relations, whole-of-government policy coordination, national security and intelligence policy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy, public service leadership, Australian honours and symbols, and government ceremonial and hospitality. It also oversees women's policies and programs and manages the Prime Minister's official residences.

How does the PM&C's role compare to similar departments in other countries like the United States or the United Kingdom?

The PM&C is comparable in function, though not analogous in structure, to departments like the United States' Executive Office of the President, the United Kingdom's Cabinet Office, Canada's Privy Council Office, and New Zealand's Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. These departments generally serve as central coordinating bodies for their respective governments.

What was the administrative situation for the Prime Minister's office before the establishment of a dedicated department in 1911?

Prior to 1911, the Prime Minister did not have a specific department to support their office. Instead, the Prime Minister also held the portfolio of Minister for External Affairs and relied on the Department of External Affairs for administrative services.

When was the Prime Minister's Department initially created, and what was its initial scale?

The Prime Minister's Department was created in July 1911. Initially, it was established on a relatively small scale compared to other government departments existing at that time.

What event led to the creation of the Department of the Cabinet Office in 1968?

In March 1968, Prime Minister John Gorton established the Department of the Cabinet Office by splitting off a section of the Prime Minister's Department. This new department was specifically tasked with servicing the Cabinet and its various committees.

On what date did the Prime Minister's Department and the Department of the Cabinet Office merge to form the current Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet?

The Prime Minister's Department and the Department of the Cabinet Office merged on March 12, 1971, to form the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C). This merger combined the functions of both previous departments.

Who was the Prime Minister when the PM&C was formed by merging two departments, and what was the stated reason for this change?

The Prime Minister at the time of the merger was William McMahon. He stated that the former system, which involved separate departments for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, was inefficient.

Which ministers are responsible for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio?

The portfolio ministers for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet include the Prime Minister, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Minister for Women, the Minister for the Public Service, an Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for the Public Service, and the Cabinet Secretary. These ministers collectively oversee the department's various responsibilities.

What is the official title of the head of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet?

The head of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is known as the Secretary of the Department. This position is equivalent to a Senior Executive Service Band 4 in the Australian Public Service.

How does the role of the Secretary of the PM&C compare to similar positions in the United Kingdom and Canada?

The Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Australia holds a role equivalent to the Cabinet Secretary in the United Kingdom or the Clerk of the Privy Council in Canada. These roles are central to the administrative machinery of government in their respective countries.

Who was the first Secretary of the Prime Minister's Department, and what was the duration of their appointment?

The first Secretary of the Prime Minister's Department was Malcolm Shepherd. He served from January 1, 1912, to January 27, 1921, a period of over nine years.

Who is the current Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and when did they commence their tenure?

Steven Kennedy is the current Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, having commenced his tenure on June 16, 2022, with his term scheduled to end on June 16, 2025.

What are the four main policy and program groups that constitute the organisational structure of the PM&C?

The organisational structure of the PM&C is divided into four primary policy and program groups: the Domestic Policy Group, the National Security and International Policy Group, the Governance Group, and the Indigenous Affairs Group. These groups cover the department's diverse responsibilities.

What specific policy areas are managed by the Domestic Policy Group?

The Domestic Policy Group is responsible for coordinating policy and implementation across several key areas, including economic policy, social policy, environmental policy, industry, and infrastructure. It also handles women's policy, gender equality, Council of Australian Governments (COAG) arrangements, the federal budget process, and national policy on public data.

What are the primary responsibilities of the National Security and International Policy Group?

The National Security and International Policy Group provides advice to the Prime Minister on foreign policy, international trade, overseas aid, defence strategy, national security, cybersecurity, and crisis coordination. It also plays a crucial role in developing whole-of-government national security policy and coordinating with the Australian Intelligence Community.

What is the role of the Governance Group within the PM&C?

The Governance Group provides advice on legal policy, parliamentary and government matters, and honours and symbols policy. It also offers support services to the Prime Minister, Cabinet, and portfolio ministers, and oversees the implementation of key government programs and initiatives.

What specific functions are managed by the Indigenous Affairs Group?

The Indigenous Affairs Group is responsible for Commonwealth policy, programs, and service delivery related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also works to promote reconciliation.

Beyond its National Office in Canberra, where else does the PM&C maintain a presence?

In addition to its National Office in Canberra, the PM&C has a presence through 33 offices and an in-community presence in 60 additional locations across Australia, primarily for its Indigenous Affairs regional network. This extensive network allows it to engage with communities nationwide.

What observations were made in 2014 regarding the PM&C's staffing in terms of pay and cultural diversity?

In February 2014, a review by The Canberra Times found that the PM&C was one of the public service's best-paid departments. The same review also noted that it was among the least culturally diverse departments.

What financial challenges did the PM&C face in early 2014, as indicated by its then Secretary?

In March 2014, the then Secretary, Ian Watt, informed staff that the department was struggling to balance its budget and deliver its programs. This situation indicated that staff cuts and reviews of service delivery were being considered.

According to the Administrative Arrangements Order of May 2025, what were the broad classifications of the department's functions?

As per the Administrative Arrangements Order made on May 13, 2025, the department's functions were broadly classified into matters such as advice to the Prime Minister across government, Cabinet program management, national security and intelligence policy coordination, intergovernmental relations, government administration coordination, Australian Public Service employment policy, Australian honours and symbols policy, government ceremonial and hospitality, Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy, promotion of reconciliation, public sector reform, community development employment projects, women's policies, and management of the Prime Minister's official residences.

What specific responsibilities does the PM&C hold concerning Australian honours and symbols?

The PM&C is responsible for developing and managing policy related to Australian honours and symbols. This includes overseeing the Australian honours system and the use of national symbols.

How does the PM&C manage government ceremonial and hospitality?

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is responsible for managing government ceremonial events and hospitality. This involves coordinating official functions and events for the government.

What role does the PM&C play in promoting reconciliation in Australia?

The PM&C plays a role in promoting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. This is achieved through its management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy and programs.

What is the department's involvement in the ownership and property management of the Prime Minister's official residences?

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is responsible for the ownership and property management of the Prime Minister's official residences, which are considered part of the Official Establishments. This ensures these properties are maintained for official use.

Can you list some of the key agencies that fall under the portfolio of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet?

The portfolio agencies under the PM&C include the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), the Office of National Intelligence, the Australian National Audit Office, the Australian Public Service Commission, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, and various Indigenous land and community councils and corporations, among others.

What is the specific function of the Office of National Intelligence within the PM&C portfolio?

The Office of National Intelligence, as a portfolio agency of the PM&C, is involved in coordinating intelligence policy and providing advice on national security matters. It contributes to the government's understanding of intelligence matters.

What is the role of the Australian Public Service Commission in relation to the PM&C?

The Australian Public Service Commission works alongside the PM&C to provide leadership for the Australian Public Service. It is responsible for setting standards and frameworks for public service employment, including remuneration and conditions.

When was the position of National Security Adviser (NSA) established and subsequently disbanded within the PM&C structure?

The position of National Security Adviser (NSA) was established in December 2008 by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and was later disbanded in 2013 by Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Its responsibilities were then transferred back to the Deputy Secretary of the National Security and International Policy Group.

Who served as the National Security Advisers (NSA) and during what periods?

The first National Security Adviser was Major General Duncan Lewis, who served until 2011. The second and final NSA was Dr. Margot McCarthy, who held the position from 2011 to 2013.

What was the reported annual budget for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet for the 2023-2024 financial year?

For the 2023-2024 financial year, the annual budget for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet was reported as $442.4 million. This budget supports the department's extensive operations and policy coordination efforts.

How many employees were reported for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in the 2023-2024 period?

In the 2023-2024 period, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet reported having 1,373 employees. This figure reflects the department's staffing levels for that fiscal year.

What is the official website address for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet?

The official website for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is pmc.gov.au. This site provides information about the department's activities, structure, and services.

What is the significance of the Administrative Arrangements Order made on May 13, 2025, concerning the department's functions?

The Administrative Arrangements Order of May 13, 2025, is significant because it broadly classified the department's functions into specific matters. This order outlines the official responsibilities and areas of operation for the PM&C.

How does the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet contribute to the coordination of national security and intelligence policy?

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet coordinates whole-of-government national security policy and provides policy settings for the Australian Intelligence Community. It also advises the Prime Minister on matters such as counterterrorism, intelligence, and border security.

What is the department's role in managing intergovernmental relations with Australian states and territories?

The PM&C is responsible for managing intergovernmental relations, which involves communications and coordination with the governments of Australia's states and territories. This ensures effective collaboration across different levels of government.

What are the department's responsibilities concerning Australian Government employment and workplace relations policy?

The PM&C oversees Australian Government employment workplace relations policy. This includes responsibilities for equal employment opportunity and the framework for agreement making, remuneration, and conditions within the public service.

What is the function of the Indigenous Affairs Group regarding policy, programs, and service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

The Indigenous Affairs Group is tasked with managing Commonwealth policy, programs, and service delivery specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also works to promote reconciliation.

What is the role of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in relation to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG)?

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet coordinates the arrangements for the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). This involves facilitating collaboration and policy discussion among the federal, state, and territory governments.

What is the purpose of the Governance Group in providing advice on legal policy and parliamentary matters?

The Governance Group provides advice on legal policy, parliamentary matters, and government operations. It also handles policy related to Australian honours and symbols and supports the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

How does the structure of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in New South Wales differ following the 2023 state election?

Following the 2023 New South Wales state election, the existing Department of Premier and Cabinet in NSW was dissolved on July 1, 2023. It was replaced by two separate departments: the Cabinet Office and a new premier's department.

What is the department's role in coordinating the implementation of key government programs?

The PM&C plays a role in coordinating the implementation of key government programs and policies across various departments. This ensures that government initiatives are executed effectively and cohesively.

What specific policy areas are addressed by the Domestic Policy Group?

The Domestic Policy Group addresses a range of policy areas, including economic policy, social policy, environmental policy, industry, and infrastructure. It also coordinates government reform and supports priorities for gender equality and women's empowerment.

What is the department's responsibility in formulating national policy on public data?

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is responsible for formulating national policy concerning public data. This involves setting guidelines and strategies for the management and use of government data.

What is the function of the National Australia Day Council within the PM&C portfolio?

The National Australia Day Council is a portfolio agency of the PM&C. Its function is to promote and coordinate national celebrations and activities related to Australia Day.

What does the provided image of the office headquarters depict, and where is it located?

The provided image shows the office headquarters of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, located in Barton, Australian Capital Territory. The photograph was taken in 2012.

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Department Overview

Establishment

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) was established on 12 March 1971. Its origins trace back to the Prime Minister's Department, created in 1911, and later incorporated the functions of the Department of the Cabinet Office, formed in 1968.

Jurisdiction

PM&C operates under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, serving as a key federal department responsible for policy coordination and support to the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Workforce & Budget

As of 2023-2024, the department comprises approximately 1,373 employees and manages an annual budget of $442.4 million, reflecting its significant operational scope and responsibilities.

Historical Evolution

Foundational Years

Prior to 1911, the Prime Minister managed affairs without a dedicated department, often concurrently holding ministerial portfolios and utilizing the Department of External Affairs. The formal Prime Minister's Department was established in July 1911, initially on a modest scale.

Restructuring

In 1968, Prime Minister John Gorton established the Department of the Cabinet Office to specifically service the Federal Cabinet. On 12 March 1971, this department merged with the Prime Minister's Department to form the current Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, aiming for greater efficiency.

Portfolio Ministers

Key Leadership

The PM&C portfolio encompasses several ministerial responsibilities, reflecting its broad mandate across government operations and policy.

Prime Minister
Minister for Indigenous Australians
Minister for Women
Minister for the Public Service
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Assistant Minister for the Public Service
Cabinet Secretary

The Departmental Secretary

Role and Equivalency

The Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is the department's head, equivalent to a Senior Executive Service Band 4 official. This role is comparable to the UK's Cabinet Secretary or Canada's Clerk of the Privy Council, serving as the chief administrative officer and policy advisor.

Historical Secretaries

The position has been held by numerous distinguished public servants since the department's inception. Understanding this lineage provides insight into the continuity and evolution of public administration at the highest levels.

Name	Term Began	Term Ended	Duration
Secretary, Prime Minister's Department
Malcolm Shepherd	1 January 1912	27 January 1921	9 years, 26 days
Percy Deane	11 February 1921	31 December 1928	7 years, 324 days
Sir John McLaren	1 January 1929	2 March 1933	4 years, 60 days
John Starling	2 March 1933	11 November 1935	2 years, 254 days
Frank Strahan	11 November 1935	24 August 1949	13 years, 286 days
Sir Allen Brown	25 August 1949	31 December 1958	9 years, 128 days
Sir John Bunting	1 January 1959	10 March 1968	9 years, 69 days
Sir Lenox Hewitt	11 March 1968	12 March 1971	3 years, 1 day
Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Sir John Bunting	17 March 1971	31 January 1975	3 years, 320 days
John Menadue	1 February 1975	30 September 1976	1 year, 242 days
Sir Alan Carmody	1 October 1976	12 April 1978	1 year, 193 days
Sir Geoffrey Yeend	18 April 1978	10 February 1986	7 years, 298 days
Mike Codd	10 February 1986	27 December 1991	5 years, 320 days
Michael Keating	27 December 1991	13 May 1996	4 years, 138 days
Max Moore-Wilton	13 May 1996	20 December 2002	6 years, 221 days
Peter Shergold	10 February 2003	28 February 2008	5 years, 18 days
Terry Moran	3 March 2008	4 September 2011	3 years, 185 days
Ian Watt	5 September 2011	30 November 2014	3 years, 86 days
Michael Thawley	1 December 2014	23 January 2016	1 year, 53 days
Martin Parkinson	23 January 2016	2 September 2019	3 years, 222 days
Philip Gaetjens	2 September 2019	22 May 2022	2 years, 262 days
Stephanie Foster (Acting)	22 May 2022	6 June 2022	15 days
Glyn Davis	6 June 2022	16 June 2025	3 years, 10 days
Steven Kennedy	16 June 2025	Present	(Incumbent)

Core Functions

Policy and Cabinet Support

PM&C provides high-quality policy advice to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, coordinating intergovernmental relations, and managing the Federal Cabinet's agenda and administration.

Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

The department leads policy development and program implementation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, fostering reconciliation and community development across Australia.

National Security and Governance

It plays a crucial role in coordinating national security, intelligence, and international policy, alongside overseeing public sector reform, government administration, and the Australian honours system.

Organisational Structure

National Office

The department's National Office is located in Canberra. Its structure is organized into key groups, including Domestic Policy, National Security and International Policy, Governance, and Indigenous Affairs.

National Presence

Beyond its Canberra headquarters, PM&C maintains a significant operational presence with 33 offices and community outreach in 60 locations nationwide, particularly for its Indigenous Affairs network.

Portfolio Agencies

Key Entities

PM&C oversees a diverse array of portfolio agencies and bodies, each contributing to specific areas of government responsibility and public service delivery.

National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)
Indigenous Advisory Council
Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation
Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
Office of National Intelligence
Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General
Australian National Audit Office
Australian Public Service Commission
National Australia Day Council
Workplace Gender Equality Agency
Central Land Council
Northern Land Council
Aboriginal Land Commissioner
Executive Director of Township Leasing
Aboriginal Hostels Limited
Indigenous Business Australia
Anindilyakwa Land Council
Tiwi Land Council
Outback Stores Pty Ltd
Torres Strait Regional Authority
Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Australia) Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and has been refined for clarity and academic tone. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, it may not be entirely comprehensive or up-to-date.

This is not official government advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional consultation with government officials or subject matter experts. Always refer to official government sources for the most current and authoritative information.

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Australia's Administrative Nexus

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Department Overview 🏛️

📅 Establishment

🇦🇺 Jurisdiction

👥 Workforce & Budget

Historical Evolution ⏳

📜 Foundational Years

➡️ Restructuring

Portfolio Ministers 🧑‍⚖️

👑 Key Leadership

The Departmental Secretary 👤

💼 Role and Equivalency

📊 Historical Secretaries

Core Functions 🎯

💡 Policy and Cabinet Support

🤝 Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

🛡️ National Security and Governance

Organisational Structure 🏗️

🏢 National Office

🌐 National Presence

Portfolio Agencies 🔗

🏛️ Key Entities

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Department Overview

Establishment

Jurisdiction

Workforce & Budget

Historical Evolution

Foundational Years

Restructuring

Portfolio Ministers

Key Leadership

The Departmental Secretary

Role and Equivalency

Historical Secretaries

Core Functions

Policy and Cabinet Support

Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

National Security and Governance

Organisational Structure

National Office

National Presence

Portfolio Agencies

Key Entities

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice