What is Cabinet?

Cabinet is a body of high-ranking members of government, sometimes referred to as ‘the Ministry’.

Cabinet collectively decides the government's policy and tactical direction, especially in regard to legislation passed by parliament. Cabinet meetings are held regularly for this purpose.

In NSW, Cabinet regularly visits regional areas to meet with local community groups and hold a public forum as well as continue to make Cabinet decisions.

Each Minister has one or more government departments or agencies for which they are responsible to parliament. They also have a number of laws which they and their departments administer.

The decisions made by Ministers, either individually or together (in Cabinet) provide policy and direction for government. Under their direction, the various agencies and departments carry out the administration of government in the state.

The Premier and Ministers are given 'portfolios' like the environment, policing, health or education. A portfolio includes government departments and agencies that are responsible to their Minister for funding and decisions that will affect the state.

The head of a department is called a Director-General, also known as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A number of Directors-General could report to the one Minister.

There are currently over 130 public sector agencies. Together, these agencies and the many public servants and other employees - such as doctors and engineers - working in them, serve the people of NSW.

All of these agencies are answerable to their CEO's, their Minister, the Cabinet, and, through your elected representatives in parliament, to you.

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