Chapter 4

Question 1

What are the main roles of ministers?

Answer 1

Manage a public service department
Answer to and be held accountable by parliament
Participate in cabinet meetings
Support all cabinet decisions (solidarity)

Question 2

What are some arguments in favour of cabinet secrecy?

Answer 2

Cabinet should be able to discuss in an environment free of external influence
Ministers can express themselves without fear or intimidation
Opposition would otherwise be able to undermine the unity of government
Coexists with cabinet solidarity

Question 3

What is an example of the loose enforcement of cabinet conventions today?

Answer 3

In 2015, Barnaby Joyce publicly disagreed with a cabinet decision but didn’t resign because ‘it wouldn’t achieve anything’. Was not punished

Question 4

What are the main roles of the Prime Minister?

Answer 4

Leads cabinet discussions
Advises the GG on appointment of ministers
Regulates the cabinet (ministers, committees)

Question 5

What are some sources of Prime Minister power?

Answer 5

Controlling the majority in the House of Reps
Chairing cabinet meetings
Patronage (promote/demote ministers)
Determining election date

Question 6

What are some limitations on Prime Minister power?

Answer 6

Leaky cabinet
Rivals in parliament/own party
Being in a coalition
Size of majority

Question 7

What are the roles of the Cabinet?

Answer 7

Develop policy
Allocate resources (public service)
Respond to crisis (NSC can be given independent decision making power e.g. COVID)
Develop the government’s narrative