How is government policy is shaped and developed by the Prime Minister and Cabinet?

Great question, Kathy!

Cabinet is made up of the Prime Minister and top-level ministers, and is the main decision-making body of the Australian Government. The Cabinet’s role is to direct government policy and make decisions about national issues, including which government bills – proposed laws – should be introduced in the Australian Parliament.

For example, if the Cabinet decides to introduce a bill to do with health, it will ask the Minister for Health to work with the Department of Health to prepare the bill.

The Cabinet can also direct a government department to investigate an issue and make recommendations to best address it. A Cabinet decision might:

• explore how current policy or law is interpreted and enacted, and whether an amendment (a change to an existing law) is required.
  
  
• consider current policy and identify if a new law is required.