10.2 National Cabinet
National Cabinet comprises the Prime Minister of Australia (Chair) and the Premiers and Chief Ministers of all Australian states and territories.
Queensland’s participation in National Cabinet does not derogate from the sovereign authority and powers of the Queensland Government.
The Premier is Queensland’s representative on National Cabinet. In the Premier’s absence, the acting Premier may represent Queensland as needed.
10.2.1 National Cabinet information security
All proceedings and documentation of National Cabinet remain strictly confidential.
National Cabinet information security must operate in accordance with the Australian Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework.
The National Cabinet Terms of Reference specifies National Cabinet documents should be classified as ‘OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE’ unless a higher classification is required. All information and materials prepared for National Cabinet must be handled in accordance with these requirements.
Agency officials are accountable for the security of National Cabinet information held within the respective portfolio and agencies and must ensure the appropriate level of security clearance is held for access to relevant sensitive and security-classified information. Individuals who share National Cabinet documents within their jurisdiction must ensure recipients are made aware of how to handle National Cabinet documents and their obligations.
| Sensitive Information | Security classified information | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | OFFICIAL | OFFICIAL: Sensitive | PROTECTED | SECRET | TOP SECRET |
| Personnel security clearance required for ongoing access | Security clearance not required (Employment screening is sufficient). | Security clearance not required (Employment screening is sufficient). | Baseline security clearance or above | Negative Vetting 1 security clearance or above | Negative Vetting 2 security clearance or above |
In addition to security clearance requirements, to reduce the risk of unauthorised disclosure, access to sensitive and security classified information is only to be provided on a need-to-know basis.
All possible security breaches must be reported to the Federal Government’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet via the Intergovernmental Relations team in DPC. Failure to adhere to security requirements may result in a security breach, removal from the system, or other sanctions as applicable under the Crimes Act 1995 and other relevant legislation.
Access to National Cabinet-related documents is managed by Intergovernmental Relations, DPC.
10.2.2 National Cabinet coordination
Intergovernmental Relations, DPC coordinates the Premier’s participation at National Cabinet.
Information prepared for, and considered by, National Cabinet may be provided to Queensland Government officials to support the briefing process, subject to information security protocols above.
National Cabinet information marked as ‘OFFICIAL’ or ‘OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE’ may be distributed externally to portfolio agencies with the approval of the Executive Director, Intergovernmental Relations, DPC. This information must only be shared on a strict need-to-know basis. It is the responsibility of the officer sharing the information to ensure the recipient understands the relevant information security handling requirements.
10.2.3 National Cabinet decisions and implementation
National Cabinet does not operate on a consensus, decision making basis and Queensland’s participation in National Cabinet does not derogate from the state’s sovereign authority and powers. This means National Cabinet members are not bound to decisions to which they have not agreed.
The Director-General, DPC, or their delegate, will advise relevant agency Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of National Cabinet decisions and outcomes relevant to their agency and advise of any implementation requirements.
The Premier will update relevant Ministers on National Cabinet decisions impacting their portfolio as required. Agencies are responsible for tracking the implementation of decisions for which they have been assigned implementation responsibility.
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