Formation of government
The governor-general commissions a prime minister able to command the House of Representatives. The prime minister selects ministers from the eligible parliamentary leadership. Cabinet agrees national policy, budgets and legislative priorities. Its civilian authority extends across every state and territory; local governments retain their own domestic responsibilities.
Federal Executive Council
The Federal Executive Council supplies the formal advice required for appointments and executive instruments. Cabinet makes political decisions; the Council records and gives constitutional effect to authorised executive acts. The sovereign remains head of state, with the governor-general exercising representative functions.
Departments
The Department of War coordinates strategic planning, procurement and mobilisation. Civilian portfolios cover Treasury and national development, public education, public health, infrastructure and utilities, justice, external affairs, science and industry, resources and territorial administration. This is a functional structure rather than a claim that portfolio names never change between governments.
Public administration
Professional departments carry out lawful ministerial decisions, maintain records and deliver public services. Technical-service apprenticeships supply engineers, medical staff, analysts and administrators. Ministers remain accountable for expenditure and results; classification does not automatically exempt an industrial contract or hospital programme from scrutiny.
Limits of military intervention
The service council advises on strategic risks and the constitutionally reserved process. It does not run routine policing, education or health departments. Prior High Court certification is required for dismissal, as demonstrated by the refusal to certify grounds during the 2016 Network Crisis. Military party leaders cannot retain operational command.
Civilian Advisory Council
Surviving non-communist politicians of the former parties serve on a permanent Civilian Advisory Council outside Parliament. The Council supplies administrative advice and institutional memory. Cabinet answers to the elected House; the Council has no legislative vote, veto or entitlement to ministerial office.