What is the executive government?
Answer
The PM, ministers, and public service implementing laws
Explanation
The executive government in Australia is the branch of government that administers and enforces laws, delivers public services, runs government departments and agencies, conducts foreign affairs, and commands the defence forces. The executive comprises the King (represented by the Governor-General), the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, other ministers, the public service, and the various agencies that deliver government work.
At the apex of the executive sits the Crown, represented in Australia by the Governor-General. Section 61 of the Constitution vests executive power in the Crown and makes the Governor-General the King's representative. The Federal Executive Council, chaired by the Governor-General and made up of ministers, formalises major executive decisions. The Council approves regulations, makes appointments, ratifies treaties (subject to parliamentary implementation), and gives effect to executive decisions.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet are the political leadership of the executive. The Prime Minister is the head of government, chairs Cabinet, advises the Governor-General on appointments and major decisions, leads negotiations with state premiers and foreign leaders, and represents the country at major international events. Cabinet (currently about 23 senior ministers) makes the major policy and spending decisions. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet coordinates executive work across the federal government.
The public service delivers the day-to-day work. The Australian Public Service (APS), governed by the Public Service Act 1999, includes about 172,000 staff across more than 100 federal departments and agencies as of 2024. Department secretaries, appointed by the Governor-General on the Prime Minister's advice, lead departments. The APS Code of Conduct requires impartial service to the elected government of the day, with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. State and territory executive governments operate in parallel structures, with state Premiers, Cabinets, departments, and public services delivering state functions. Local councils form the third tier of executive administration. Major recent reforms following the 2023 Robodebt Royal Commission have strengthened expectations of frank and fearless advice from the public service to ministers, and accountability of ministers for major decisions.
Why this matters for your test
The executive government is one of three branches and delivers most of what Australians experience as government, and recognising the Crown, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the public service helps new citizens engage with the system.
Source: Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond (2024)
