Appointment revoked, appointment made by the Governor General – 22 June 2021

Overview

The Gazette C2021G00456, dated 22 June 2021, represents a formal notification issued by the Governor-General, amending ministerial appointments within the Australian government. This directive serves to formally revoke the appointment of the Hon Michael McCormack MP from his roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. Concurrently, the Gazette announces the appointment of the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP to these same positions. This transition in leadership addresses the need for a change in ministerial roles, as dictated by the executive branch of the Australian government. The enactment aims to ensure a smooth and official transfer of responsibilities, maintaining the continuity of government functions. This Gazette reflects the formal process mandated by the Australian Constitution and carried out by the Governor-General, aligning with the policy objectives of effective governance and the seamless operation of ministerial duties.

Scope and Application

The notification C2021G00456 issued by the Governor-General outlines changes in the ministerial appointments within the Australian government, specifically affecting the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. This Act applies to the individuals directly involved in the appointments, namely the Hon Michael McCormack MP and the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP. The scope of the legislation is limited to the executive branch of the federal government and pertains to the reassignment of ministerial roles and responsibilities. Its jurisdictional reach is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, thereby impacting the national government’s structure and function. There are no explicit exclusions or thresholds mentioned in this particular notification, and it does not extend its application through subordinate instruments, but rather serves as a formal directive to effect the specified changes.

Key Provisions

The Gazette C2021G00456, issued on 22 June 2021, outlines two significant changes in the appointments of ministerial roles within the Australian government. Firstly, section (a) of the Gazette revokes the appointment of the Hon Michael McCormack MP as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. This revocation signifies the termination of Mr. McCormack's role and responsibilities in these capacities, effective from the date of the Gazette. Secondly, section (b) of the document establishes a new appointment: the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. This new appointment brings Mr. Joyce into the role, effective from the same date. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Gazette are primarily procedural and pertain to the transition of responsibilities and duties between the former and new office holders. Mr. McCormack is expected to relinquish any ongoing duties or responsibilities associated with his former roles, while Mr. Joyce must assume these roles, including any existing projects, commitments, or pending legislative matters within his new ministerial portfolio. This transition ensures a seamless continuation of government functions and policy implementation within the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. Regarding potential breaches or non-compliance with the provisions outlined in the Gazette, the document does not explicitly mention any specific offences, penalties, or consequences. However, it is implicit that failure to adhere to the changes in ministerial appointments as per the Gazette could result in administrative or legal repercussions. These might include disciplinary actions within the government or parliamentary processes, though the exact nature and severity of such consequences are not detailed in the Gazette itself. The enforcement of compliance would typically fall under the purview of internal government procedures and parliamentary rules rather than explicit statutory penalties.