What is the role of a state premier?

A state premier is the head of government of an Australian state, performing the equivalent role at state level to that of the Prime Minister at federal level. The premier is the leader of the party or coalition that holds a majority in the state's lower house and is responsible for the direction of the state government.

Premiers are typically the leader of their party in the state lower house and are appointed by the state Governor (the King's representative in the state) on the basis of holding the confidence of the lower house. The premier selects ministers from members of the state parliament and presents them to the Governor for appointment. The premier chairs the state Cabinet, advises the Governor on parliamentary dissolutions and elections, leads negotiations with the federal government and other states, and represents the state on national and international matters.

Current state premiers (as of early 2026) are Chris Minns (NSW, Labor, in office from March 2023), Jacinta Allan (Victoria, Labor, from September 2023), David Crisafulli (Queensland, Liberal National, from October 2024), Peter Malinauskas (South Australia, Labor, from March 2022), Roger Cook (Western Australia, Labor, from June 2023 with re-election in March 2025), and Jeremy Rockliff (Tasmania, Liberal, from April 2022). Chief ministers fill the equivalent role in the two self-governing territories: Andrew Barr in the Australian Capital Territory (Labor, from December 2014) and Lia Finocchiaro in the Northern Territory (Country Liberal, from August 2024).

Premiers and chief ministers coordinate national policy through the National Cabinet, which was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to replace the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). National Cabinet brings together the Prime Minister and the eight premiers and chief ministers to coordinate on issues including health, education, infrastructure, energy, housing, and disaster response. Specific ministerial councils handle ongoing coordination across portfolios. State and territory leaders also meet with the Prime Minister bilaterally on issues specific to their jurisdiction. Premier salaries range from about 450,000 to 500,000 dollars a year depending on the state.