Effective Commonwealth-State relations

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

First Secretaries Group’s Review of Ministerial Councils

On 17 June 2022, to advance microeconomic and productivity reforms, First Secretaries were tasked by National Cabinet with providing advice on the role of Ministerial Councils in progressing national priorities, with a sharpened focus on productivity improvements. First Secretaries’ Group (FSG) comprises of the secretaries or directors general from the Commonwealth and each state and territory First Minister’s department. FSG’s Review of Ministerial Councils (the Review) sought to build on the 2020 Review of the former COAG councils and ministerial forums, led by Mr Peter Conran AM. The Review aimed to ensure that National Cabinet, Ministerial Councils and Commonwealth-state relations more broadly can operate under an enduring structure that promotes collaborative and results-driven decision making.

On 30 September 2022, National Cabinet agreed to the recommendations put forward by First Secretaries on a revised federal relations architecture and refreshed operational principles for Ministerial Councils, as well as a list of National Cabinet priorities.

Further information on Australia’s federal relations architecture, guidance for intergovernmental meetings, and the FSG’s Review of Ministerial Councils is available at federation.gov.au

Review of the former COAG councils and ministerial forums

On 26 June 2020, National Cabinet agreed that former Director-General of the Western Australian Department of Premier and Cabinet and former Commonwealth Cabinet Secretary Mr Peter Conran AM will lead a review of the former COAG Councils and Ministerial Forums with a view to rationalise and reset their work. National Cabinet also agreed to Terms of Reference for the Review which set out avenues for consultation with Commonwealth and state and territory ministers and officials. The Terms of Reference note that additional bodies may be identified for consultation through the course of the Review. Following an initial approach for information, the list of forums in scope (Attachment A to the TOR) has been updated.

National Cabinet agreed that Review will make recommendations on a streamlined structure, scope and reporting arrangements and on focused regulatory and policy work programs.

On 23 October 2020 National Cabinet accepted the Review's recommendations that include reducing the number of ministerial forums and ensuring that those that remain are more agile and responsive, with direct responsibility for decision-making resting with Ministers. Consistent with the direction set by National Cabinet, ministers’ meetings will not report to National Cabinet (or the National Federation Reform Council) unless tasked.

This represents a significant reform to Commonwealth-State relations and will significantly reduce bureaucracy and red tape. National Cabinet also noted that the range of significant reforms agreed have come about directly through the collaboration of National Cabinet, as the country comes together to continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A copy of the final report is available below: