Our role
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) plays a unique role within the Australian Public Service (APS) in our support to the Government. Our purpose and role is to support the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, portfolio ministers and assistant ministers to improve the lives of all Australians, including through coordination of government activities, effective policy advice and development, and program delivery.
As the lead department for the APS, we take a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, working with stakeholders across the APS and national and international jurisdictions to improve the wellbeing of all Australians, advance Australia's interests, and keep our country safe and prosperous.
Over the past 2 reporting periods, we have continued to develop our corporate plan and performance reporting framework. In 2021–22, continuing into 2022–23, we reviewed and revised our performance reporting framework, consolidating our performance measures under 5 key activities.
These activities reflect the way we work and the role PM&C plays in supporting the Government.
Our key activities are:
Effective and timely advice
The department's primary function is to provide the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and our portfolio ministers and assistant ministers with effective and timely advice to support their role as decision-makers. This advice is supported by evidence and data, and considers the views of a diverse range of stakeholders. The department supports the Prime Minister in his leadership roles – leader of the Australian Government, Chair of the Cabinet and Chair of National Cabinet.
Helping our partner agencies deliver on Government priorities
PM&C plays a key leadership role ensuring the APS delivers on the Prime Minister's and the Government's priorities. We use our understanding of the Prime Minister's, portfolio ministers’ and assistant ministers’ requirements in supporting our colleagues across the APS to successfully deliver the Government's key programs, priorities and services. We do this by establishing effective partnerships across the APS enterprise, bringing together expertise, experience and action required to deliver results. We track, monitor and report progress, identify opportunities, drive change and respond quickly when decisive action is needed.
Coordination and support for national and international agendas
In supporting the Prime Minister and our portfolio ministers and assistant ministers, PM&C applies whole-of-nation and whole-of-government lenses to ensure Australia's interests are advanced at both a national and international level. We collaborate closely with state, territory and local governments. We work with national and international counterparts to build relationships, encourage cooperation, and develop and deliver frameworks and programs that enhance Australia's wellbeing, prosperity, safety and security domestically, across the region and around the globe.
Collaborate, communicate and engage
Effective communication, collaboration and engagement informs every aspect of the department's work. Every year, people take the time to write to the Prime Minister, and the department ensures the Prime Minister can respond in a timely manner. Good policy and advice is strengthened when informed by a diverse range of views and voices. This work is supported by targeted stakeholder collaboration, communication and engagement activities.
Deliver Government programs and priorities
PM&C is directly responsible for delivering a range of Australian Government programs, frameworks and services, including various activities that support the efficient running of government. We support the executive branch of government, the Cabinet and its committees, and support the PM&C Secretary working in collaboration with the APS Commissioner in their APS stewardship responsibilities.
Our core work and values
At PM&C, we recognise the unique position we hold at the centre of government:
- We serve the Prime Minister, who is invested in all areas of policy and delivery as the leader of the Australian Government.
- We support the Cabinet as the focal point of government decision-making.
- We assist our Secretary, who (working in collaboration with the APS Commissioner) has a stewardship role as head of the APS.
- We support the Office for Women, and the Minister for Women, to advance the Government's commitment to achieve gender equality and improve the lives of people in Australia.
In fulfilling this unique role, we deliver influential and impartial advice, judgement, excellence and collaboration, and by focusing on the big picture.
To support our people to deliver this important work, the department has established an organisational framework that outlines the core values and behaviours expected of all staff at all levels of the department – to strive for excellence in everything we do, and to act collaboratively and with integrity.
PM&C continues to strengthen core capabilities within all staff, while identifying and investing in emerging capability needs. Our commitment to building this capability, complements and aligns to the objectives of the APS Reform agenda.