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Domestic Policy

Domestic policy covers priorities that affect the lives of all Australians. Our work involves advising the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and Portfolio Ministers on issues such as jobs and economic growth, the budget, industry, infrastructure, agriculture, innovation, health, education and the environment. Our aim is to provide the Government with high quality advice on how to make Australia more prosperous, successful and stronger.

Current Initiatives

A More Innovative and Agile Australia

A More Innovative and Agile Australia

New ideas in innovation and science will be major drivers of Australia’s future economic prosperity.

Agriculture

As part of the Domestic Policy Group we provide advice on agriculture related matters from a whole of government perspective.

Behavioural Economics

Behavioural Economics

Our work encourages people-centred design, which means: simpler, clearer and faster public services.

Digital Technology Taskforce

Digital Technology Taskforce

On 20 November 2019, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a Digital Technology Taskforce in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to guide Australia on the path to being a leading digital economy by 2030.

Early Childhood Education and Care, Schools and Higher Education

Early Childhood Education and Care, Schools and Higher Education

We are looking at national funding arrangements for schools beyond 2018.

Effective Commonwealth-State Relations

Effective Commonwealth-State Relations

We support the development of productive relationships between state, territory and Commonwealth Governments to promote policy reforms of national significance.

Improving the Health System

Improving the Health System

The Australian Government has reached agreement with the states and territories on additional funding for public hospital services over the next three years.

Infrastructure and regional development

Infrastructure and Regional Development

We provide advice on infrastructure and regional development from a whole of government perspective to the Prime Minister and Cabinet. We work with the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to deliver infrastructure programmes to build our nation.

Joint Agency Drought Taskforce

Joint Agency Drought Taskforce

The Joint Agency Drought Taskforce has now concluded its operations. The Department of Agriculture is responsible for drought policy and response.

National Bushfire Recovery Agency

National Bushfire Recovery Agency

The National Bushfire Recovery Agency has been announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to lead and coordinate a national response to rebuilding communities affected by bushfires across large parts of Australia.

National COVID-19 Coordination Commission

National COVID-19 Coordination Commission

The Commission’s role is to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on jobs and businesses and facilitate the fastest recovery possible once the virus has passed.

National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency

North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency

The National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency was announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on 5 December 2019. It was previously known as the North Queensland Livestock Industry Recovery Agency (NQLIRA).

National Soils Advocate

National Soils Advocate

Major General Michael Jeffery is the National Soils Advocate. The National Soils Advocate is raising awareness about the importance of conserving and improving agricultural soil and landscape conditions to benefit Australia’s environment.

Religious Freedom Review

Religious Freedom Review

On 18 May 2018, the Panel delivered its Report to the Prime Minister.

Social Impact Investing Taskforce

Social Impact Investing Taskforce

As part of the 2019-20 Budget, the Morrison Government has announced $5 million for the establishment of a Social Impact Investing (SII) Taskforce.

Social Services and Immigration

Social Services and Immigration

We work with other Government organisations on a range of social services and immigration policies and issues.

Strengthening the Budget and the Economy

Strengthening the Budget and the Economy

We work closely with other Government organisations on tax reform, improved employment outcomes, and economic development policies.

Tackling Climate Change, Energy Productivity and Improving Our Environment

Tackling Climate Change and Improving Our Environment

Addressing issues related to climate change, energy, biodiversity and water resources is important for the quality of our environment, our economy and society.

Taskforces on Past Domestic Policy Initiatives

Taskforces on Past Domestic Policy Initiatives

Past initiatives include the UNFCCC, the National Ice Taskforce and the Agricultural Competitiveness White paper.

The National Office For Child Safety

National Office for Child Safety

The National Office for Child Safety (the National Office) provides national leadership, working across governments and sectors, to deliver national policies and strategies to enhance children’s safety and reduce future harm to children.

Vocational education and training review

Vocational education and training review

On 28 November 2018, the Prime Minister announced an independent review of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector to examine ways to deliver skilled workers for a stronger economy.

Latest News

COVIDSafe business planning tool - National COVID-19 Coordination Commissioner

New planning tool to help businesses be COVIDSafe

National COVID-19 Coordination Commission

Friday, 15 May 2020

A new tool to help businesses plan to keep their workers, customers and the community safe has been released by the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC).

Media Statement - National COVID-19 Coordination Commissioner

Media statement - National COVID-19 Coordination Commission

National COVID-19 Coordination Commission

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Mr Power’s flights, accommodation and other incidental travel costs are being covered in his role as NCCC Chair—however he is not receiving a salary.

Three men wearing suits sit in a room with lights overhead. In front of them is a screen displaying images of two men and one woman.

Prime Minister Ardern attends National Cabinet

Wednesday, 06 May 2020

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern joined yesterday’s National Cabinet which was formed to coordinate Australia’s response to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Resources

Social Impact Investing Taskforce - Interim Report

Domestic Policy

31st January 2020

Executive Summary The interim report summarises the Taskforce’s findings to date—and includes three initiatives recommended for immediate implementation. A final report will be submitted to Government in June 2020.

Annual Progress Report 2019 - Australian Government Response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Domestic Policy

23rd December 2019

Second annual progress report on implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to

National Soils Advocate - Terms of Reference

Domestic Policy

4th October 2019

On 18 July 2019, the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, announced the re-appointment of the National Soils Advocate, Major General the Hon Michael Jeffery AC AO (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), to provide advice on the Government’s national objective to protect, restore and maintain the health of the

Social Impact Investing Taskforce Terms of Reference

Domestic Policy

2nd September 2019

Complaint Handling Guide: Upholding the rights of children and young people

Domestic Policy

5th August 2019

Volume 7 of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Final Report, Improving institutional responding and reporting, identified flaws in how some institutions responded to complaints of child sexual abuse including instances where institutions did not have