Are all government ministers members of the Cabinet?

No, not all ministers are members of Cabinet.

Cabinet is made up of the most senior ministers in the government. These ministers are usually in charge of major departments, for example Foreign Affairs or Education. Cabinet includes the Prime Minister and about 20 ministers.

Ministers who are not part of Cabinet are known as outer ministers. They still hold ministerial responsibilities, for example Veterans’ Affairs or Regional Development, but they do not attend Cabinet meetings unless invited.

There are also junior ministers who assist Cabinet ministers with areas in their portfolio.  Junior ministers can be assistant ministers, such as the Assistant Minister for Immigration, or a minister with responsibility for an area within a Cabinet minister's portfolio. For example, the Minister for Justice works with the Attorney-General. Junior ministers are not members of Cabinet, although they do attend Cabinet meetings from time to time.

Cabinet ministers are also supported by parliamentary secretaries, such as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer. Parliamentary secretaries are not ministers.