Working with other governments
Australia's system of federation means states and territories have a high degree of autonomy. The Australian Government cannot directly control many decisions made by a state or territory.
The Australian Government influences policy through:
- legislation (where it has constitutional power)
- funding agreements
- national coordination through intergovernmental forums.
The Tasmanian Government plays an important role in a range of national and international forums, including:
- National Cabinet
- Council for the Australian Federation
- inquiries and reviews
- international treaties.
National Cabinet
National Cabinet was established in 2020 and replaced the Council of Australian Governments. It is a key intergovernmental forum for national coordination.
National Cabinet brings together the Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers (collectively known as First Ministers) to respond to issues that require a national approach.
The Premier represents Tasmania at National Cabinet. The Premier may delegate another minister to attend if needed. The Premier is supported by the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary (Policy and Reform) of the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Council for the Australian Federation
The Council for the Australian Federation was established in 2006. It provides a forum for state and territory leaders to discuss and resolve issues independently of the Australian Government.
Members include each state premier and territory chief minister. The Council for the Australian Federation is used to:
- develop joint state and territory positions on national issues
- provide leadership on issues not led by the Australian Government
- help shape the national policy agenda.
Submissions to inquiries and reviews
The Department of Premier and Cabinet coordinates a whole-of-government process for inquiries and reviews. These include state and national parliamentary inquiries and Productivity Commission reviews.
Find out more about this process in the Tasmanian Government Submissions to Inquiries and Reviews Policy (PDF 860.5KB).
International treaties
The Department of Premier and Cabinet coordinates Tasmania’s input into international treaties negotiated by the Australian Government. We work with other Tasmanian Government agencies to prepare advice and represent Tasmania at the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.
We also coordinate whole-of-government contributions to reports to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other international bodies (except where subject-specific arrangements apply).
Foreign Arrangements Scheme
The Foreign Arrangements Scheme ensures state and local government activities are consistent with Australian Government foreign policy.
Tasmanian entities included in the scheme are:
- Parliament
- Tasmanian Government agencies
- local governments
- cultural and educational institutions
- Government Business Enterprises.
These entities must notify the Australian Government before entering arrangements with foreign entities. Each entity is responsible for its own reporting. The Department of Premier and Cabinet provides guidance and acts as the main contact point for Tasmania.
Policy on intergovernmental agreements
The Tasmanian Government has a process for entering into agreements with the Australian Government.
Agencies should contact both the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Treasury and Finance when developing proposals.
Contact
Policy and Intergovernmental
Email: policy@dpac.tas.gov.au
