Skip to main content
Skip to main navigation
www.premiers.qld.gov.au
Contact us
Search
Close
Menu
Queensland Government
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
Search the Department of Premier and Cabinet
Search
Menu
Close
Home
About us
About us
About us
Who we are
What we do
How we do it
Our structure
Our key people
Regional engagement
Emergency information for staff
Contact us
Publications
Publications
Publications
Strategies and plans
Policies and codes
Guides
Handbooks
Reports
Reviews
Right to information
Right to information
Right to information
What is right to information?
Accessing information
Published scheme
Disclosure log
How to make an RTI application
Work for us
Work for us
Work for us
Why work for us?
DPC strategic workforce plan
Your career options
Apply for a job
Contact us
Home
Publications
Categories
Policies and codes
Handbooks
Ministerial Handbook
Amendments
Handbooks
Handbooks
Cabinet Handbook
Introduction
The process of Cabinet
1.1 Principles of Cabinet
1.2 The Cabinet and collective responsibility
1.3 Management of Conflicts of Interest
1.4 Matters for consideration by Cabinet
1.5 Definition of Cabinet documents
Roles and responsibilities
2.1 Ministers
2.2 Cabinet Secretary (Secretariat)
2.3 Cabinet Legislation and Liaison Officers
2.4 Executive Council
2.5 Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel
2.6 Assistant Ministers
Procedures
3.1 Notification of Cabinet Meetings
3.2 Non-Cabinet members attending Cabinet
3.3 Cabinet Timetable
3.4 Determination of the business list for Cabinet meetings
3.5 Lodgement process for Cabinet submissions
3.6 Distribution of Cabinet submissions
3.7 Cabinet Agenda
3.8 Collective Cabinet Minutes
3.9 Cabinet decisions
3.10 Security and management of Cabinet information
3.11 Access to Cabinet documents
Committees
4.1 Cabinet Committees
4.2 Lodgement process for Cabinet Committee submissions
4.3 Cabinet Budget Review Committee
Preparation of submissions to Cabinet and Cabinet Committees
5.1 Types of submissions
5.2 Security classifications on Cabinet submissions
Consultation
6.1 Community consultation
6.2 Consultation within government
6.3 Discussion Papers and Policy Papers
Proactive release of Cabinet Material
7.1 Cabinet material subject to proactive release
7.2 Timeline for proactive release
7.3 Requirements for Cabinet submissions relevant to proactive release
7.4 Cabinet material not suitable for proactive release
7.5 Approval for proactive release material
7.6 Publication
Legislation
8.1 Queensland Parliamentary Committees
8.2 Legislation program
8.3 Development of a Bill
8.4 Finalisation of a Bill
8.5 Parliamentary Portfolio Committees
8.6 Subordinate Legislation
8.7 Private Members Bills
Guidelines for briefings and submissions
9.1 Guidelines for departmental officers required to brief Members
9.2 Guidance in relation to dealings with Queensland Parliamentary Committees
9.3 Guidelines for Queensland submissions to Commonwealth inquiries/reviews
Intergovernmental Relations matters
10.1 Principles for intergovernmental activities
10.2 National Cabinet
10.3 Council on Federal Financial Relations
10.4 Ministerial Council Meetings and Engagement
10.5 Commonwealth-State funding agreements
10.6 Non-financial intergovernmental agreements
10.7 Queensland's international interjurisdictional relationships
10.8 Free Trade Agreements, United Nations Conventions, and other international treaties
Caretaker arrangements
Appendices
Cabinet Cycle timelines
Significant Appointments
Formatting and style for submissions
Information requirements for submissions
Intergovernmental Relations matters
Queensland's negotiating position on proposed [INSERT AGREEMENT]
Executive Council Handbook
Introduction
The Governor
1.1 Powers and functions of the Sovereign
1.2 Office of Governor
1.3 Powers and functions of the Governor
Powers, role and composition of the Executive Council
2.1 Legislative Basis
2.2 Role of the Executive Council
2.3 Advice from Ministers
2.4 Membership
Meetings of the Executive Council
3.1 Time and place
3.2 Quorum
3.3 Absence of Governor
3.4 Special meetings
3.5 Special meeting following cancellation of Cabinet meeting
3.6 Meeting procedure
Executive Council Support Services
4.1 Location and role
4.2 Clerk of the Executive Council
4.3 Public Seal of the State
4.4 Executive Council documentation
4.5 Index of Executive Council Minutes
4.6 Executive Council database
4.7 Cabinet Legislation Liaison Officers
Matters for Executive Council
5.1 Matters for consideration by Cabinet prior to submission to Governor in Council
5.2 Matters for consideration by Governor in Council
Executive Council procedures
6.1 Notification of meetings
6.2 Lodgement of Executive Council documents
6.3 Approval process
6.4 Late Minutes
6.5 Withdrawal of whole Minute listed on the schedule which is considered at Cabinet
6.6 Partial withdrawal of a Minute listed on the schedule which is considered at Cabinet
6.7 Withdrawal of whole Minute after Cabinet has met
6.8 Partial withdrawal of a Minute after Cabinet has met
6.9 Revoking a Minute
6.10 Rescinding a Minute
6.11 Amending or correcting a Minute
6.12 Jointly sponsored minutes
6.13 Return of Minutes following approval
6.14 Executive Council procedures for an Acting Minister
6.15 Release of information by Executive Council Secretariat
6.16 Confidentiality of proceedings
6.17 Right to Information requests
6.18 Announcement of Executive Council decisions
Action following meeting of Executive Council
7.1 Notification and publication in the Queensland Government Gazette
7.2 Certified copies of Executive Council Minutes
Executive Council documents
8.1 Governor in Council matters to be authorised by Legislation
8.2 Executive Council Minutes
8.3 Format of minutes
8.4 Use of schedules
8.5 Aggregation of Minutes and grouping of similar matters
8.6 Explanatory Memorandum
8.7 Use of permanent paper
Executive Council meetings during the caretaker period
Machinery of Government Changes
10.1 Administrative Arrangements Orders
10.2 Departmental Arrangements Notices
Appendices
Legislation Handbook
Introduction
Context of legislation
1.1 Legislation and the general law
1.2 Why legislation is needed
1.3 How legislation operates on a matter
1.4 The power of the Parliament of Queensland
1.5 How Parliament makes legislation or authorises the making of legislation
1.6 Information about the following chapters
1.7 Glossary
Policy development of a government Bill
2.1 The nature of policy
2.2 Is a new law needed
2.3 Does the State have power to make the law?
2.4 Bill or subordinate legislation?
2.5 Portfolio Bills
2.6 Sponsoring a Bill
2.7 Role of policy or instructing officers
2.8 Establishing a practical timetable
2.9 Obtaining appropriate advice
2.10 Considering fundamental legislative principles
2.11 Considering human rights
2.12 Other matters needing consideration for thorough policy development
The drafting process
3.1 OQPC's involvement before Authority to Prepare a Bill approval
3.2 Authority to Prepare a Bill approval
3.3 Drafting process
3.4 Role of instructing officer
3.5 Role of drafter
3.6 Authority to Introduce a Bill approval
3.7 Other relevant matters
The parliamentary process
4.1 Parliament of Queensland
4.2 Timing of the introduction of a Bill
4.3 Explanatory notes
4.4 Messages from the Governor
4.5 Human rights – Statements of Compatibility
4.6 Presentation and first reading
4.7 Bills referred to portfolio committees
4.8 Amendments in committee
4.9 Second reading
4.10 Consideration in detail stage
4.11 Third reading and long title
4.12 Cognate debates
4.13 Record of Proceedings
4.14 Attendance by departmental officers and OQPC drafter
4.15 Private members' Bills and amendments during consideration in detail
Royal assent
Subordinate legislation
6.1 What is subordinate legislation?
6.2 Drafting subordinate legislation
6.3 Subordinate legislation must be within power
6.4 Unauthorised subdelegation
6.5 General presumption that legislation will be prospective
6.6 Retrospective operation of a beneficial provision
6.7 Power to make instruments
6.8 Certification
6.9 Penalties
6.10 Infringement notice offences
6.11 Explanatory notes
6.12 Human rights and subordinate legislation
6.13 Notification
6.14 Tabling and disallowance
6.15 Parliamentary scrutiny
6.16 Interpretation
6.17 Expiry of subordinate legislation
6.18 Printing, notification and tabling processes
Fundamental legislative principles
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Rights and liberties of individuals
7.3 The institution of Parliament
7.4 Example of FLPs - inspectoral powers
Human rights
8.1 Human rights protected under the Act
Appendix
Glossary
Index
Endnotes
Ministerial Handbook
Introduction
Appendices
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Appendix 5
Appendix 6
Amendments
1.0 Human Resource Management
1.1 Office Staff
1.2 Workers' Compensation
1.3 Personal Development
1.4 Intern/Volunteer Arrangements
1.5 Employee Assistance Service
1.6 Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace
2.0 Information Management
2.1 Information security
2.2 Ministerial records
2.3 Privacy
3.0 Accountability and Ethics
3.1 Administrative arrangements
3.2 Ministerial Code of Conduct
3.3 Code of Conduct Ministerial Staff Members
3.4 Declaration of Interests
3.5 Membership of boards, committees or councils
3.6 Lobbying Contact
3.7 Gifts - received
3.8 Gifts - made
3.9 Indemnities
3.10 Accountability and budget process
3.11 Public Report of Ministerial Office Expenses
3.12 Ministers and Chiefs of Staff Diaries
4.0 Expenses relating to a Minister's Office
4.1 Allowable Expenditure
4.2 Parliamentary Service support for Ministerial Offices
4.3 Expenditure that is not allowable
4.4 Accommodation
4.5 Consultants
4.6 Delegations
4.7 Hospitality and Official Functions
4.8 Office equipment
4.9 Partner's expenses
4.10 Political Party Expenses
4.11 Telecommunications
4.12 Transportation
4.13 Travel
4.14 Other Expenses
5.0 Entitlements
5.1 Staff
5.2 Ministers
5.3 Assistant Ministers
5.4 Former Premiers
Welcome Aboard
Introduction
Purpose of the Guide
Role of Government Boards
2.1 Functions
2.2 Responsibilities/reporting relationships
2.3 Categories of Government Boards
Role of Key Players
3.1 Ministers
3.2 Chair
3.3 Board members
3.4 Chief Executive Officer
3.5 Executive Officer/Secretary
3.6 Proxies and Observers
Selection and recruitment
4.1 Government priorities
4.2 Government Board composition
4.3 Statutory requirements
4.4 Member skills and attributes
4.5 Member expertise
Remuneration
5.1 Remuneration Procedures
5.2 Public sector employees on Government Boards
5.3 Travelling Expenses
Induction
Duties and Responsibilities of Board Members
7.1 Enabling legislation
7.2 General law
7.3 Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Corporations Act)
7.4 General legislation
7.5 Judicial Review
7.6 Right to Information
7.7 Information Privacy
7.8 The Ombudsman
7.9 Integrity Commissioner
7.10 Code of conduct
7.11 Restrictive trade practices
7.12 Approval requirements
7.13 Delegations
7.14 Accountability arrangements for subsidiary companies
The Role of Public Service Employees on Government Boards
8.1 Role and responsibilities
8.2 Incorporated Government Bodies - Conflicts of Interest
8.3 Remuneration
Liability and Indemnity
9.1 Indemnities and Legal Assistance
9.2 Guarantees
9.3 Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance
9.4 Misfeasance in public office
Evaluating Board performance
10.1 Planning requirements
10.2 Reporting requirements
Government Owned Corporations
11.1 Role
11.2 Key officers
11.3 Duties and responsibilities
Attachments
1. Resources
2. Useful Contacts
3. Induction Checklist
4. Registration of Personal Interests Form (Example)
Glossary
Amendments
April 1998
Original Issue
July 1998
Index
Accountability and Budget Process
Foreword
Public Report of Ministerial Office Expenses
Purchases
Travel - Domestic
Travel - Overseas
Travel to and from the Electorate (Office or Home)
Removal of Purchasing Cards Schedule
Attachment 1 - Allowances - Travel
October 1998
Complete redraft
February 1999
Entertainment - Minister
March 1999
Chauffeurs
November 1999
Contact Officers
Definitions
Office Accommodation
Telephone - Ministers
January 2000
Contact Officers
Employee Assistance Scheme
Ministerial Parking Station
Ministerial Records
Disposal Schedule
Ministerial Services Branch Role
Motor Vehicles
Office of the Minister
Sexual Harassment
Statement for Public Disclosure
Stationery
Study & Research Assistance
Travel - Domestic
Attachment 1 - Allowances
June 2000
Removal of Statement for Public Disclosure
Amendment to Public Report
December 2000
Amendment to Public Report
Expenses relating to a Minister's Office - Telecommunications
Entitlements - Chauffeurs
March 2001
Amendment to Gifts - received / made
October 2001
Complete update
August 2002
Updated Electronic Mail policy and procedure.
Minister's overseas rate altered to 'reasonable rate' set by ATO.
September 2002
Casual Chauffeur entitlements
February 2003
Telephone reimbursements
July 2003
Insurance Excess
September 2003
Ministers' Code of Ethics
October 2003
Email Out-Of-Office replies
Privacy Policy
November 2003
Motor Vehicles - Ministers
Motor Vehicles - Parliamentary Secretaries
Higher Duties Allowances
Departmental Liaison Officer
Approval for the Appointment of Permanent Staff
Workplace Health and Safety
Appendix 20
December 2003
Ministerial Records
May 2004
Overseas Travel
Motor Vehicles
November 2004
Human Resource Management
Information Management
Gifts Received
Gifts Made
Hospitality and Official Functions
Office Equipment
Telecommunications
Taxis
Travel
Bereavements
Christmas Cards
Petty Cash
Purchases
Stamps
Entitlements
Ministerial Services
Appendix 1 - Allowances-Travel
Appendix 2 - Review of Monthly Reports
Appendix 4 and 5 - Gifts Made/Receive
Appendix 6 - Expenditure Approval
Appendix 7 - Hospitality Certification
February 2005
Gifts Made
Telecommunications
June 2005
Taxi
July 2005
Ministerial Delegations
August 2005
Overseas Travel
May 2006
Blackberry
November 2006
Records Disposal Schedule
February 2007
Gifts Received
March 2007
Office Staff
Study & Research Assistance Scheme
Workplace Behaviour
Workplace Health and Safety
Electronic Mail
Information Security
Internet Policy
Ministerial Records
Accountability and Budget process
Ministerial Delegations
Pecuniary Interest Declaration
Public Report of Ministerial Office Expenses
Departmental-Related Expenditure
Hospitality-provided by the Minister
Working Meals
Telecommunications
Motor Vehicles
Domestic Travel
Frequent Flyer points
Credit Cards - policy
Chauffeurs
Other staff
Ministers
Parliamentary Secretaries
Ministerial Services - role
Appendix 1 - Allowances
Appendix 14 - Ministerial Offices Administrative Delegations
Appendix 21 - Whole-of-government Guidelines for Managing Ministerial Delegations
Appendix 22 - Resolution Process for Workplace Behaviour Issues
Appendix 23 - Leaver's Checklist
June 2007
Travel to/ from Electorate
Partners Expenses
November 2007
Forward
Introduction
September 2008
Office Staff
Personal Development
Workplace Behaviour
Electronic Mail
Information Security
Internet Policy
Ministerial Records
Indemnities
Expenditure- Not Allowable
Accommodation
Delegations
Working Meals
Political Party Expenses
Fines
Ministerial Parking Station
Motor Vehicles
Domestic Travel
Overseas Travel
Travel To And From The Electorate
Credit Cards
Petty Cash
Security
Ministers
Former Premiers
Ministerial Services
Appendix 1
Appendix 6
Appendix 8
Appendix 23
Appendix 24
October 2008
Appendix 19
February 2009
Queensland Contact with Lobbyist Code
Appendix 19
Appendix 25
November 2009
Ministers’ Code of Ethics – Appendix 19
January 2010
Gifts - Received
February 2010
Delegations
July 2010
Ministers' Code of Ethics – Appendix 19
September 2010
Ministers' Code of Ethics – Appendix 19
October 2010
Ministers' Code of Ethics – Appendix 19
July 2011
Forward
Introduction
Employee Assistance Service
Staff Entitlement
Ministerial Staff Drawn From the Public Service
Ministerial Staff Engaged from Outside the Public Service
Process for Filling Vacant Positions
Appointment Expenses
Chauffeur/Assistants
Administrative Processing
Relieving
Formal Methods of Resolution
Witnessing or Becoming Aware of Workplace Bullying
The Formal Process
Code of Conduct
Email System
Records
Sensitive Information
Accountability and Budget Process
Declaration of Interests
Lobbyists Code of Conduct
Public Report of Ministerial Office Expenses
State Procurement Policy
Delegations
Working Meals
Political Party Meetings
Staff
Fines
Motor Vehicles
Absence by the Minister
Air Charter
Whole-of-Government Travel Provider
Domestic Travel
Frequent Flyer Points
Government Aircraft
Travel to and from the Electorate
Credit Cards
Petty Cash
Purchases
Entitlements
Contact Officers for Enquiries
Travel Booking Procedures - Appendix 17
December 2011
Working Meals
Meals on weekends
Allowances – travel - Appendix 1
October 2012
Guidelines for the Grant of Indemnities and Legal Assistance for Ministers and Assistant Ministers – Appendix 24
Ministerial Code of Conduct
Ministerial Code of Conduct – Appendix 19
February 2013
Ministerial Diaries
June 2013
Frequent Flyers
March 2014
Complete Redraft
May 2016
Indemnities
Guidelines for the Grant of Indemnities and Legal Assistance for Ministers and Assistant Ministers – Appendix 7
March 2018
Information Management
September 2018
Basis of Employment
October 2019
Accountability and Ethics
Ministerial Code of Conduct
June 2020
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
December 2020
Information Management
February 2021
Declaration of Interests and Conflict of Interests
Ministerial Staff Member Declaration of Interests form – Appendix 2
Conflict of Interest/Other Employment Management Plan form – Appendix 3
August 2022
Lobbying Contact
Ministers' Diaries
June 2023
Information Security
August 2023
Information Security
Ministers and Chiefs of Staff Diaries
September 2023
Delegations
February 2024
Assistant Minister Diaries
March 2024
Ministerial Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct Ministerial staff members
Appendix 1 and appendix renumbering
December 2024
Information management
Information security
Ministerial Records
Ministers, Assistant Ministers and Chiefs of Staff diaries
Last updated:
17 December, 2024
Last reviewed:
17 December, 2024
Back to top