X-Nico

Machinery of government

AAOs establish Departments of State under the Constitution, including the principal matters and legislation dealt with by each Department and its Minister(s).

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The Commonwealth Government and some state and territory governments utilise Administrative Arrangements Orders (also called AAOs) as legal instruments as a primary method to make machinery of government changes.

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In Queensland, the Premier has sole responsibility for determining ministerial portfolios.

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According to KPMG, section 35(1) of the Western Australian Public Sector Act 1994, the Governor of Western Australia may establish, amalgamate or abolish government departments on the recommendation of the Public Service Commissioner.

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A number of national governments including those of Australia, Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom have adopted the term in official usage.

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According to KPMG, in South Australia the Governor may establish, alter and abolish government departments under powers provided in section 26 of the Public Service Act 2009.

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At the Commonwealth Government level, Administrative Arrangements Orders (AAOs) are made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister formally allocating executive responsibility among ministers.

see also