Our cabinet

Cabinet is the principal decision-making body of the government and includes the Cabinet Secretary and all ministers of the Crown. The Premier, as the leader of the government, is the chair of Cabinet.

Cabinet is a formal meeting of ministers; it has no legal powers or status. For example, there is no reference to Cabinet contained within Victoria's constitution and its decisions have no formal force until they are put into effect by its individual members as ministers, until they are endorsed by the Governor in Council or until legislative proposals are enacted by parliament. However, by virtue of the authority that members of parliament accord to Cabinet, it is the vehicle through which the decisions of the Executive are determined.

Cabinet considers important questions of policy, administration and the government's legislative program. Cabinet decisions are collective decisions and are binding on all ministers as government policy.

Collective responsibility is supported by the strict confidentiality attached to Cabinet documents and to discussions in the Cabinet room. Cabinet and its committees provide ministers with the freedom to discuss proposals and a variety of options and views, while working towards a collective position. The openness and frankness of discussions in the Cabinet Room are protected by the strict observance of confidentiality.

Cabinet Visits

Cabinet visited South West Coast communities in September 2011. Find out more about these regional events.