1.1 Principles of Cabinet

Cabinet is responsible for the development and coordination of the policies of the government and must adhere to fundamental principles that:

• the collective responsibility of Ministers for government decisions requires collective adherence to all government decisions made in Cabinet. Cabinet decisions reflect collective deliberation and are binding on Cabinet Ministers as government policy
• consultation is an essential element of the Cabinet process
• the deliberations of Cabinet and Cabinet Committees shall be conducted in a secure and confidential environment, and ongoing confidentiality of Cabinet and related records shall be maintained unless documents are released with Cabinet’s express authority
• preparation of business to be considered by Cabinet is of the highest standard reflecting the information needs of Ministers, to ensure informed decision- making can occur in accordance with the public interest
• Cabinet proposals reflect a rigorous examination of issues, consideration of regulatory best practice principles, whole-of-government coordination and accord with government policy
• Cabinet processes are established by the Premier to ensure all Ministers are bound by the same rules and by high standards of probity
• Cabinet collectively, and Ministers individually, are responsible and accountable to the Crown, the Parliament, and ultimately the electorate.