Glossary of terms

Glossary of key terms
Term Description

Administrative Arrangements Order

An order, issued by the Governor-General on advice from the Prime Minister, which indicates the principal matters dealt with by each Department of State and the legislation administered within each portfolio.

Agency

A Department of State, Department of Parliament or prescribed agency under Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

Budget

Sets out the fiscal and economic outlook for Australia for a financial year. It includes expenditure and revenue estimates for the current financial year, the Budget year and the three forward financial years.

Closing the Gap

A commitment by all Australian governments to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A national integrated Closing the Gap strategy has been agreed through COAG.

Council of Australian Governments (COAG)

The peak intergovernmental forum in Australia, comprising the Prime Minister, state premiers, territory chief ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association.

Enterprise agreement

An agreement about the terms and conditions of employment, made under the Fair Work Act 2009.

Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements (PAES)

Statements of changes since the Budget to the proposed allocation of resources.

Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS)

Statements that explain where appropriated funds are to be spent for the portfolio.

Secretary's Instructions

Instructions and guidance provided for accountability requirements under the PGPA Act