Administrative Arrangements Order - 10 May 2018 amendment

Overview

The Administrative Arrangements Order 2018, as amended on 10 May 2018 by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, delineates the Departments of State, the principal matters they manage, and the legislation each Minister of State oversees. This order was initially made on 19 April 2018 and serves to ensure a clear delineation of responsibilities within the federal government, facilitating efficient governance and accountability. The amendments and the complete schedule of changes are accessible on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website, ensuring transparency and accessibility of the information to the public and relevant stakeholders.

Scope and Application

The Administrative Arrangements Order, as amended on 10 May 2018, delineates the various Departments of State and assigns the principal matters each department is responsible for, along with the legislation each Minister of State administers. This Order is integral to the governance framework of the Commonwealth of Australia, providing clarity and direction on the distribution of administrative responsibilities across the government. It ensures that each Minister and department operates within clearly defined parameters, facilitating efficient governance and accountability. The amendments to the Order, which were made by the Governor-General with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, reflect the dynamic nature of administrative responsibilities and the need to adapt to changing policy environments. The amended Order is accessible on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website, ensuring transparency and public access to the administrative arrangements.

Key Provisions

The amended Administrative Arrangements Order (Order) delineates the Departments of State, the principal matters each department addresses, and the legislation administered by each Minister of State. Specifically, section 1 of the Order identifies the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, detailing its scope and responsibilities, while section 2 allocates the Attorney-General's Department and its functions. Each section outlines the legislative instruments overseen by respective ministers, ensuring clarity in governance and accountability. The Order is instrumental in structuring the administration of government functions, enabling efficient management of policies and legislation pertinent to each department. The Order imposes several obligations on the parties and entities it governs. Firstly, it mandates that each department operate within the scope defined by the Order, ensuring that their activities align with the legislative instruments listed. Secondly, it requires ministers to oversee the administration of their respective departments, ensuring compliance with the delineated functions and responsibilities. Additionally, the Order necessitates that departments maintain transparency and accountability in their operations, facilitating effective governance and public oversight. These obligations are crucial in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the administrative framework. Breach of the provisions outlined in the Administrative Arrangements Order can lead to various consequences. While the Order itself does not specify criminal or civil penalties, non-compliance with the delineated functions and responsibilities may result in administrative sanctions. For instance, if a department exceeds its scope as defined by the Order, it may face reprimands or restructuring directives from the executive. Furthermore, failure to adhere to the obligations of transparency and accountability can lead to investigations and potential reassignment of ministerial responsibilities. These measures ensure that the administrative framework remains robust and effective in governing the nation's affairs.