Administrative Arrangements Order - 1 December 2019 amendment

Overview

The Administrative Arrangements Order, C2019G01023, was enacted in 2019 to outline the allocation of responsibilities among the Ministers of the Commonwealth of Australia. The order, which was amended on 14 November 2019 by the Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, delineates the various Departments of State, the primary areas they oversee, and the legislation each Minister is responsible for. This administrative restructuring aims to enhance the efficiency and clarity of governmental operations by clearly defining the scope of each Minister's duties. The amendments to the order, effective from 1 December 2019, were made to better align the administrative responsibilities with the evolving needs and priorities of the government. The order was enacted by the Governor-General in accordance with the Federal Executive Council, and it serves to provide a transparent framework for the governance structure of the Australian government.

Scope and Application

The Administrative Arrangements Order, as amended on 14 November 2019, delineates the various Departments of State within the Australian government, specifying the principal matters each department addresses and the legislation they administer. This Order, which took effect from 1 December 2019, serves to allocate administrative responsibilities among Ministers of State and ensures that each department operates within its defined scope. The amended Order further refines the allocation of responsibilities and legislative oversight, providing clarity on the functions and duties of each department. This administrative framework supports the efficient functioning of the government by clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each department and the legislation they manage, thereby ensuring accountability and effective governance. The Order is an integral part of the Commonwealth’s administrative structure, influencing how laws are implemented and managed across various sectors.

Key Provisions

The Administrative Arrangements Order (C2019G01023) outlines the structure of the Australian government by specifying the Departments of State, the primary areas they manage, and the legislative frameworks overseen by each Minister of State. This order, amended on 14 November 2019 and effective from 1 December 2019, follows a prior order from 29 May 2019 and an amendment on 8 August 2019. The revised order delineates the responsibilities and jurisdictions of various ministers and departments, thereby structuring the administrative framework of the government. This administrative framework is crucial as it ensures that each department and its corresponding minister have a clear mandate and area of operation. Under this Administrative Arrangements Order, the obligations and requirements imposed on the parties and entities it governs are primarily about clarity and delineation of responsibilities. Each department is tasked with managing specific areas of government policy, administration, and legislation. Ministers are expected to oversee their respective departments, ensuring that they operate within the scope of their designated responsibilities. Additionally, this order ensures that there is no overlap or ambiguity in the responsibilities of different departments, thereby facilitating efficient governance and accountability. Failure to adhere to the stipulations of the Administrative Arrangements Order can result in significant consequences. Although the order itself does not specify particular offences or penalties, non-compliance with the delineated responsibilities can lead to administrative inefficiencies, potential legal challenges, and broader governance issues. Moreover, the order serves as a foundational document for the operations of the government; hence, deviations from it could undermine the legal and administrative framework that supports the functioning of the government. While the order does not detail specific penalties, the implications of ignoring it could range from administrative penalties to broader legal and political repercussions.