The recommendations of the Report of the Inquiry into the Appointment of the Former Prime Minister to Administer Multiple Departments (the Bell Inquiry), delivered in November 2022, are being implemented by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
It is important for Australia’s system of government that the public has trust and confidence in the country’s democracy and in those responsible for maintaining its institutions of government.
The implementation of the Bell Inquiry recommendations enhances the transparency and accountability of government. This includes knowing at all times:
which ministers are administering which departments
what ministers are responsible for administering
when an acting arrangement is in place.
PM&C has established a dedicated, up-to-date source of authoritative public information on government administration. This will be supported by the publication of ministerial instruments of appointment on the Federal Register of Legislation every time the Governor-General makes changes to the Ministry, following recommendations made by the Prime Minister.
