Machinery of Government

The Machinery of Government Secretariat provides advice and support to the Prime Minister and the Clerk of the Privy Council on the structure and functioning of the government as a whole.

Much of this work involves supplying advice on the prerogative responsibilities of the Prime Minister, including:

  • Ministerial mandates
  • The structure of Cabinet, its committees and their decision-making processes
  • The structure and organization of government portfolios
  • The roles and accountability of senior public office holders
  • Transitions from government to government

How the Prime Minister carries out these responsibilities is generally determined by:

  • Constitutional precedent, practice and the legal framework
  • The experience of previous governments
  • The working style and agenda of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Key Links

Further Reading