[Australia]: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Media Centre

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Overview​

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) is an Australian Government public service central department of state with broad ranging responsibilities, primary of which is for intergovernmental and whole of government policy coordination and assisting the Prime Minister of Australia in managing the Cabinet of Australia. The PM&C was established in 1971 and traces its origins back to the Prime Minister's Department established in 1911. The role of PM&C is to support the policy agendas of the Prime Minister and Cabinet through high quality policy advice and the coordination of the implementation of key government programs, to manage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy and programs and to promote reconciliation, to provide leadership for the Australian Public Service alongside the Australian Public Service Commission, to oversee the honours and symbols of the Commonwealth, to provide support to ceremonies and official visits, and to coordinate national security, regulatory reform, public data, and women's policy. The department is similar but not analogous to the United States Executive Office of the President, the United Kingdom Cabinet Office, the Canadian Privy Council Office, and the New Zealand Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The functions of the department are broadly classified into the following matters as laid out in an Administrative Arrangements Order: Advice to the Prime Minister across Government on policy and implementation Assistance to the Prime Minister in managing the Cabinet programme Whole of government national security and intelligence policy co-ordination Intergovernmental relations and communications with State and Territory Governments Co-ordination of Government administration Australian Government employment workplace relations policy, including equal employment opportunity and administration of the framework for agreement making and remuneration and conditions Australian honours and symbols policy Government ceremonial and hospitality Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy, programmes and service delivery Promotion of reconciliation Public sector reform Community development employment projects Women’s policies and programmes Official Establishments, ownership and property management of the Prime Minister’s official residences

 

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AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC MEDAL AND CROSS OF VALOUR ISSUED FOR THE EXPEDITION OF 1996-97​

10 December 1999

Today the Prime Minister has announced that he has made his recommendations to the Governor-General that all 116 scientists who were involved in the original Antarctic Expedition of 1996-97 be issued with the Australian Antarctic Medal for outstanding service to an Australian Antarctic Expedition and the Star of Courage for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril following their arrest and detainment by the Swedish Royal Navy. All recipients will receive their two medals in the mail in coming days. The Prime Minister thanks all of those who have served in Antarctica in the pursuit of scientific research in the face of adversity. ​

 

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CONDEMNATION OF THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT ACTIONS AGAINST JEWISH POPULATION​

26 December 1999

The Australian Government has unequivocally condemned the actions of the Turkish Government in detaining the Jewish population of Turkey in an overcrowded and ghettoised prison. This is a clear violation of morality, international norms and the rule of law. Australia asks that Turkey give free passage to these citizens to Australia, all 15,000 of which would be granted humanitarian visas by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. If Turkey is found to be committing a genocide, international military and economic action will follow. This is a threat Australia does not take lightly.

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​ Commonwealth of Australia Gazette PROCLAMATION​ BRYCE, AUSTRALIA​ ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. TO ALL WHOM these Presents shall come or whom the same may in anywise concern. A PROCLAMATION ​ Robert McClelland, Special Minister of State, Australia WHEREAS by and with the advice of Our Federal Executive Council We have signified Our Approval of the issue a Proclamation in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette declaring that a State of War with the Republic of Turkey exists and has existed in Our Commonwealth of Australia as and from the twenty eighth day of January, 2000; NOW THEREFOR We do hereby Declare and Proclaim that a State of War with the Republic of Turkey exists and has existed in Our Commonwealth of Australia as and from the twenty eighth day of January, 2000. OF ALL WHICH Our Loving Citizens and all others whom these Presents may concern are hereby required to take notice and govern themselves accordingly. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF We have these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Australia to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS: Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Quentin Alice Louise Bryce, a Member of Our Most Honourable Federal Executive Council, Dame of Our Order of Australia, Commander of Our Royal Victorian Order, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of Our Commonwealth of Australia. AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Canberra, this twenty eighth day of January, in the year of Our Lord two thousand and in the Forty Seventh year of Our Reign. By Command. KIM CHRISTIAN BEAZLEY Prime Minister of Australia. ​

 

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​ Commonwealth of Australia Gazette PROCLAMATION​ BRYCE, AUSTRALIA​ ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. TO ALL WHOM these Presents shall come or whom the same may in anywise concern. A PROCLAMATION ​ Robert McClelland, Special Minister of State, Australia WHEREAS by and with the advice of Our Federal Executive Council We have signified Our Approval of the issue a Proclamation in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette declaring that a State of War with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exists and has existed in Our Commonwealth of Australia as and from the eighth day of February, 2000; NOW THEREFOR We do hereby Declare and Proclaim that a State of War with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exists and has existed in Our Commonwealth of Australia as and from the eighth day of February, 2000. OF ALL WHICH Our Loving Citizens and all others whom these Presents may concern are hereby required to take notice and govern themselves accordingly. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF We have these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Australia to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS: Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Quentin Alice Louise Bryce, a Member of Our Most Honourable Federal Executive Council, Dame of Our Order of Australia, Commander of Our Royal Victorian Order, Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of Our Commonwealth of Australia. AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE, in Our City of Canberra, this eighth day of February, in the year of Our Lord two thousand and in the Forty Eighth year of Our Reign. By Command. KIM CHRISTIAN BEAZLEY Prime Minister of Australia. ​

 

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REPLACEMENT OF HIGH COURT JUSTICE JOHN TOOHEY ANNOUNCED AS SUSAN KIEFEL​

16 June 2000

Today the Prime Minister has announced that in light of the mandatory resignation of Justice John Toohey of the High Court of Australia that his replacement shall be Federal Court Judge Susan Kiefel of Queensland. Justice Kiefel has a distinguished legal career with a Masters of Laws from Cambridge, the first female of Queen's Counsel in Queensland, served on the Supreme Court of Queensland and the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island and the second woman appointed to the Federal Court by former Prime Minister Paul Keating. ​

 

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DEFENCE COMMITTEE RESHUFFLE​

4 April 2001

The Prime Minister has announced a reshuffle of the top brass of the Australian Defence Force, coinciding with a number of retirements, the new positions and holders are as follows: Chief of the Defence Force: General Peter Cosgrove Vice Chief of the Defence Force: Vice Admiral David Shackleton Chief of Army: Lieutenant General Peter Leahy Chief of Navy: Vice Admiral Chris Oxenbould Chief of Air Force: Air Marshal Angus Houston Chief of Joint Operations: Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie Chief of Joint Capabilities: Lieutenant General Mark Evans Chief of Defence Intelligence: Vice Admiral John Lord Deputy Chief of Army: Major General Ken Gillespie Deputy Chief of Navy: Rear Admiral David Campbell Deputy Chief of Air Force: Air Vice-Marshal Mark Binskin Commander Joint Health Command and Surgeon-General: Rear Admiral Robyn Walker Commander Forces Command: Major General David Morrison Commander Australian Fleet: Rear Admiral Geoffrey Smith Air Commander Australia: Air Vice-Marshal Geoff Brown Special Operations Commander Australia: Major General Mike Hindmarsh Commander Training Command: Major General David Hurley Flag Officer Commanding Navy Systems Command: Rear Admiral Russ Crane Air Officer Commanding Support Command: Air Vice-Marshal Leo Davies In addition, the following roles have been appointed seperate from the Committee: Judge Advocate General: Major General Len Roberts-Smith Liaision Officer to the Chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff: Commodore Allison Norris Military Representative to the Transatlantic Security Arrangement: Air Vice Marshal Gavin Turnbull Secretary of the Department of Defence: Nick Warner, AO, PSM New Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove​

 

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SECURITY APPARATUS OVERHAUL​

12 January 2005

The Australian Government has undergone a massive restructure of the nation's security apparatus and the National Intelligence Community in order to improve accountability and to deal with the challenges of an increasingly complex security environment with a strong focus on Counter-Terrorism and Cyber Security. These reforms include: Department of Home Affairs:​ Establishment of the Centre for Counter-Terrorism Coordination including the appointment of the Commonwealth Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee in conjunction with the Government of New Zealand and the New Zealand Police as well as the Joint Counter Terrorism Board.​ Establishment of the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre to engage industry and the broader community in securing critical infrastructure.​ Establishment of the National Office of Cyber Security including the appointment of the National Cyber Security Coordinator and the Cyber Security Operations Board.​ Establishment of the Crisis Coordination Centre under the National Emergency Management Agency including the activation of the National Joint Common Operating Picture and the National Situation Room and the appointment of the Australian Government Crisis Committee and the National Crisis Committee.​ Establishment of the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database (NCIDD), the National Child Offender System (NCOS), the Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS), the National Police Reference System (NPRS), the National Firearms Licensing and Registration System (NFLRS), the National Vehicles of Interest Register, the National Police Checking Service, National Missing Persons and Victim System (NMPVS) and the National DNA Investigative Capability (NDIC) under the control of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.​ Establishment of the Australian Bomb Data Centre, Australian High Tech Crime Centre and Joint Counter Terrorism Teams in every state and territory under the Australian Federal Police.​ Establishment of the National Border Targeting Centre, Intelligence Division and Counter Terrorism Units as well as the restructuring of frontline Border Force agents under the Strategic Border Command.​ Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet: Formalisation of the wider National Intelligence Community consisting of ten agencies and the core Australian Intelligence Community consisting of the six main collection agencies under overarching direction of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Office of National Intelligence. Establishment of the International and Security Group as a policy advice group divided between the International Division and the National Security Division including the appointment of the Secretaries Committee on National Security and the National Intelligence Coordination Committee with subcommittees. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Establishment of the International Security Division as a policy advice group divided between the Counter-Terrorism Branch, the Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation Branch, the Strategic Issues and Intelligence Branch, the Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking Branch and the Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Branch as well as the appointment of the Ambassador for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation, the Ambassador for Cyber Affairs, the Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking and the Ambassador for Counter-Terrorism. Attorney-General's Department: Establishment of various oversight bodies including the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor, the Independent Reviewer of Adverse Security Assessments, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity and the Inspector of Transport Security. ​

 

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NEW NATIONAL CAPITAL AUTHORITY GUIDELINES TO ESTABLISH, RELOCATE OR ALTERATE DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS​

20 January 2005

11.1.1 Building a new chancery Currently, there is little land available in the ACT to build a new chancery. Missions wishing to pursue this option should contact the National Capital Authority (NCA). Subject to paragraph 11.1, the following general rules apply to land in the ACT: all ACT land is leasehold and is either Territory Land or National Land Territory Land is managed by the ACT Government National Land is managed by the Commonwealth. Under the National Capital Plan, certain National Land areas in the suburbs of Yarralumla, Deakin and O'Malley are designated for the construction of diplomatic chanceries. The NCA is responsible for the National Capital Plan, including the leasing of land for diplomatic use. Leases are for 99 years and carry an obligation to commence building within 18 months and complete construction with 36 months. There are two ways to pay for leases: a single payment of a 'premium' calculated on the current unimproved value of the land annual payments, which are currently calculated at five per cent of the unimproved value fixed for the term of the lease. The NCA issues annual invoices to missions that select this option. Land for diplomatic purposes in the ACT may also be obtained based on land of equivalent size, amenity and location being made available to the Australian Government for diplomatic use in a foreign capital. New chanceries, or alterations to existing chanceries (or head-of-mission residences or other owned properties), must comply with federal and ACT Government laws and regulations, including relevant local building codes. Building design and works approvals and certifications are required from the ACT Planning and Land Authority and NCA at key stages of planning and construction. The NCA can advise and assist on these processes. 11.1.2 Purchasing or renting a free-standing building Missions may purchase property for use as offices or residential premises subject to the requirements of Australian law. Missions should seek the advice of a local lawyer early in the process of purchasing property. Missions are not required to notify the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) of property purchases for official purposes, including accommodation for diplomatic staff. Property purchases for other purposes, however, for example for investment, must be notified to the FIRB before contracts are signed. This requirement applies equally to mission officials purchasing properties in their own names. Any chancery to be located on Territory Land, but not within commercial premises such as an office building, will need approval from the ACT Government, in addition to Chief of Protocol approval. Missions should contact Protocol Branch to ensure that ACT Government approval will be forthcoming. In the suburb of O'Malley, there is an area of Territory Land where, subject to ACT Government approval, diplomatic missions may either purchase or rent residential properties for use as chanceries. As a general rule, diplomatic chanceries may not operate from other residential areas in the ACT. This restriction does not apply, however, to Head of Mission or staff residences. The ACT Heritage Council, pursuant to the Land (Planning and Environment) Act 1991, is responsible for the listing of heritage properties. DFAT expects missions to comply with heritage laws as with other property laws and regulations. 11.1.3 Renting commercial office space Diplomatic missions are strongly encouraged to consider renting commercial office space to use as a chancery. A number of diplomatic missions have rented commercial office space for this purpose in the suburbs of Civic, Barton or Deakin. 11.2 Purchasing and Renting – Consular posts Missions/sending states setting up a new Consular post in a State or Territory (not in the ACT) must comply with the requirements outlined in 3.2 Consular Posts. When relocating a Consular post, check local council regulations to ensure compliance with zoning requirements. Once a specific location has been identified, posts must seek formal approval of the location from the Chief of Protocol. 11.3 Chief of Protocol consent for proposed locations Once a mission or post has identified a specific location to relocate or establish their chancery, consulate or office, they must seek formal approval of the location from the Chief of Protocol. Requests should be sent sent by diplomatic note to the Protocol Branch. Chief of Protocol approval is in addition to the obligation on missions to comply with any zoning or planning requirements in the ACT or relevant state or territory. If the Chief of Protocol does not grant approval to relocate or establish a chancery, consulate or office at a specific location, Australia may not treat the chancery, consulate or office as the premises of the mission or post under the Resolution on International Diplomacy and relevant Australian legislation. Once consent has been received and the chancery, consulate or office has moved to the new location, missions and posts are required to notify Protocol Branch to ensure our records are accurate and up-to-date. We will use this information to notify relevant security authorities so they can provide appropriate protective security arrangements. 11.4 Rates Missions and posts owning properties in the ACT, the states and/or the Northern Territory are required to pay for specific municipal services provided to chanceries and head-of-mission residences. These services, such as street cleaning, maintenance of parks and gardens, garbage collection and disposal, street lighting, footpaths and guttering, are covered by the beneficial portion of land rates charged by local governments. Missions and posts are expected to pay the amounts charged in full and on time. Missions and posts renting properties are not liable for these payments, as rates are the responsibility of building owners. 11.5 Damage to premises Missions and posts are strongly urged to have appropriate insurance cover for all significant property they own. Insurance is the first recourse in the event of loss or damage. If premises or other property of a mission or post sustain damage which appears to be politically motivated, DFAT (Protocol Branch or, if the incident occurs in a state, the DFAT state or the Northern Territory Office) should be notified as soon as practicable. Works Approval​ In accordance with the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (Commonwealth) (the PALM Act), any alteration to buildings or structures, demolition, landscaping or excavation works within the Designated Areas require the prior written approval of the National Capital Authority (NCA) or a 'Works Approval'. There are no exemptions for ‘Works Approval’ under the PALM Act. In summary, if the answer to the following two questions is ‘Yes’, then Works Approval from the NCA is required: Is my proposal located within the Designated Areas? Is my proposal within the Definition of ‘works’? 1.1. Designated Areas The NCA has detailed planning authority (including ‘Works Approval’ in place of development approval) in areas of the ACT, which exhibit special characteristics of the National Capital. The Designated Areas include all major approach routes to Canberra, the Parliamentary Zone, Lake Burley Griffin and surrounding parklands, the Australian National University, Russell Defence Precinct, Duntroon and Australian Defence Force Academy. Designated Areas also include the Inner Hills of the National Capital including Mount Majura and Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain, O'Conner Ridge, Red Hill, Oakey Hill, Mount Painter, The Pinnacle and Stromlo Forest. 1.2. Definition of ‘works’ The PALM Act defines ‘works’ as: a) the construction, alteration, extension or demolition of buildings or structures; b) landscaping; c) tree felling; or d) excavations. This includes proposals ranging from a site redevelopment to the removal of a single tree or excavation required to installing underground services. Temporary signs or fencing must be consistent with the ACT Government's Hoarding Signage Guidelines. Temporary ‘works’ such as the installation of temporary signs or fencing also require ‘Works Approval’ from the NCA. Some of the most common types of works that require a ‘Works Approval’ are: Construction of new buildings Alterations to the exterior of an existing building Removal of a dead or dangerous tree Excavation for telecommunications installation (just hauling through existing conduits alone does not require works approval) Installation of a sign Installation of solar panels Installation of temporary structures Even minor matters may need a ‘Works Approval’. The onus is on you to find out whether an application is required. Please email the ‘Works Approval’ team at the National Capital Authority if you have any questions. The PALM Act does not require the NCA to approve internal works or solely maintenance works. If temporary structures are related to an event and are in place for less than 14 days, please contact the Events team at the National Capital Authority. 1.3. Letter of Consistency A Letter of Consistency application is required to be submitted to the NCA for proposals on National Land outside of Designated Areas located at: HMAS Harman Specific rural landholdings in Majura Block 2 Section 6 Lawson CSIRO Gungahlin Block 6 Section 66 Deakin Block 2 Section 14 Greenway Rural Block 254 Paddy's River Rural Block 1212 Weston Creek Parts of Sections 43, 44, 49 and 50 Belconnen Parts of Sections 20 and 21 Mitchell In these locations, there is generally a Development Control Plan (DCP) in place that the proposal must conform with. Proposals must also be consistent with the National Capital Plan. The documentation requirements and assessment process for a Letter of Consistency is similar to that of a Works Approval application. Please proceed to ‘submit a works approval application’. The lodgement system will recognise the works location and generate a Letter of Consistency automatically for works on National Land outside of a Designated Area. How to lodge a Works Approval application? The NCA's role is to assist applicants through a process of negotiation and design development to achieve outcomes appropriate to those areas, which embody the special characteristics of the National Capital. Contact the NCA to organise a pre-application meeting by phoning (02) 6271 2888 or by emailing the Works Approval section. Discussions held with the NCA in the early stages of developing designs for a proposal will help identify any major issues that require resolution prior to ‘Works Approval’ application being lodged. A sketch design, which shows the development intention, may also be submitted to the NCA for consideration and comment, before proceeding with detailed design development.