Cabinet Committees play an important role in the effectiveness of the Cabinet system, and this role will be enhanced in the Government';s third term by the creation of new committees for Policy and Priorities and for Sustainable Environment.
These new committees will join those covering National Security, Employment and Infrastructure, Expenditure Review and Parliamentary Business.
The Policy and Priorities Committee will assist Cabinet to provide strong strategic direction to the Government';s overall policy development process to ensure there continues to be a strong forward agenda that reflects our values and the long term needs of Australia.
The Sustainable Environment Committee';s creation meets an election promise and reflects my commitment to make the area covered by the Committee one of our most important whole of government priorities. Matters that will be considered by the Committee include greenhouse policy, the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, land clearing, bio-diversity and oceans policy.
Attached is the new Cabinet committee membership list.
MEMBERSHIP OF CABINET AND COMMITTEES
CABINET
Prime Minister Mr Anderson Mr Costello Mr Vaile Senator Hill Senator Alston Mr Downer Mr Abbott Mr Ruddock Dr Kemp Mr Williams Senator Minchin Mr Truss Senator Vanstone Dr Nelson Senator PattersonMr Macfarlane
STANDING COMMITTEES
NATIONAL SECURITY COMMITTEE
Prime Minister (Chairman) Mr Anderson Mr Costello Senator Hill Mr Downer Mr Ruddock Mr Williams
EXPENDITURE REVIEW COMMITTEE Prime Minister (Chairman) Mr Costello (D) Mr Vaile Dr Kemp Senator MinchinSenator Coonan
PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS COMMITTEE Senator Hill (Chairman)
Senator Alston Mr Abbott (D) Mr Williams Mr McGauran Senator Campbell Senator Heffernan
EMPLOYMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Prime Minister (Chairman) Mr Anderson (D) Mr Costello Mr Vaile Mr Abbott Senator MinchinMr Macfarlane
POLICY AND PRIORITIES COMMITTEE Prime Minister (Chairman) Mr Anderson Mr Costello Senator Hill Mr AbbottDr Nelson
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Prime Minister (Chairman) Mr Anderson Dr Kemp Mr Truss Dr Nelson Mr Macfarlane Senator Macdonald
(D)
Deputy Chairman