Typically, more than one minister will administer a department of state. Any minister appointed to administer a department has the constitutional authority to administer:
- any part of that department
- any legislation administered by that department.
In practice, different ministers administering the same department will fulfil different responsibilities. They may look after different policy areas and legislation.
These ministerial responsibilities may be determined by:
- the Prime Minister
- the ministers themselves
- a single Cabinet Minister administering that department (for other ministers and assistant ministers in the portfolio).
A minister's title may also indicate their responsibilities.
