With the COVID crisis easing, is the National Cabinet still fit for purpose?

Key Issues with the National Cabinet

The article assesses the National Cabinet's efficacy post-COVID-19. It identifies three primary concerns:

• Informality and lack of structure: The initial informal approach, while effective during the pandemic, is deemed unsustainable for addressing complex, ongoing challenges. A more formal structure with guiding principles and prioritized projects is advocated.
• Secrecy and lack of transparency: The article criticizes the continued secrecy surrounding National Cabinet discussions, hindering accountability and public trust. It suggests a balance between privacy and transparency, possibly adopting a partial Freedom of Information exemption similar to COAG.
• Federal-state imbalance: Concerns are raised about the Commonwealth government's dominance, prioritizing its agendas over state issues and favoring uniform policies over locally tailored solutions. A more equitable structure, potentially through an intergovernmental agreement, is proposed.

Proposed Solutions

To address these issues, the article proposes several solutions, including:

• Developing a set of principles to guide the National Cabinet's operations.
• Implementing greater transparency by either fully or partially lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding its meetings.
• Formally establishing the National Cabinet's governance through an intergovernmental agreement.
• Creating a more balanced federal-state relationship to foster collaboration and allow for state-specific innovations.

Conclusion

The National Cabinet's swift transition from COAG lacked the opportunity to develop a sustainable model. To effectively address Australia's future challenges, it requires a significant reform process that improves transparency, fosters true federal collaboration, and establishes a stronger, more structured framework.