4.2 Clerk of the Executive Council

Since separation from New South Wales in 1859, there has been a position of Clerk of the Executive Council. This position is not formally created in legislation but has always existed to carry out the administrative functions of the Executive Council.

The main duties of the Clerk of the Executive Council are to:

• arrange meetings of Executive Council when summoned on authority of the Governor;
• prepare the necessary documents for matters which have been approved for submission to the Executive Council;
• be responsible for the maintenance and custody of all records of Executive Council;
• record and certify the proceedings of the meetings of Executive Council;
• make arrangements for the appointment of Governors, Acting Governors and Deputy Governors;
• make arrangements for the swearing-in of new Ministries, Ministers and Executive Councillors; and
• seal all public instruments which are made and issued in the Sovereign's name or the Governor's name.

The role of Clerk of the Executive Council is performed by senior officers of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.