1.2 The Cabinet and collective responsibility

Cabinet comprises all Ministers, with the Premier as the Chairperson.

The Premier presides at all Cabinet meetings. The Deputy Premier may preside in the Premier’s absence, with the Premier’s prior agreement. Ministers are expected to attend every meeting unless leave has been granted by the Premier.

Cabinet is responsible for the performance of the government.

Each Minister acts jointly with and on behalf of Cabinet colleagues in their capacity as Ministers. This ensures collective responsibility, and enhances collective adherence to all decisions made in Cabinet. Cabinet decisions reflect collective conclusions and are binding on all Ministers as government policy. All Ministers are required to give their support in public to collective decisions of the Cabinet and the government. If a Minister is unable to publicly support a Cabinet decision, the proper course is to resign from Cabinet.

Ministers should exercise caution in commenting publicly on matters outside their portfolio area and ensure any comments maintain the collective responsibility of Cabinet.

Departmental officers and Ministerial staff have a responsibility to act in support of Ministers' obligations to abide by Cabinet conventions and a responsibility to advise Ministers of any case where they may perceive a breach, or a likely breach, of these conventions.