Figure 1 shows the lines of accountability and communication:
- Ministers are accountable to the Premier as leader of the Government. They are also accountable to Parliament for the performance of the departments, administrative offices and public entities in their portfolios. These accountabilities are distinct from Ministers’ responsibilities as members of Parliament.
- Ministerial officers are employed by the Premier and accountable to their Minister.
- Departmental secretaries are employed by the Premier and accountable to their Ministers.
- Departmental employees including departmental liaison officers (DLOs) are employed by and accountable to the secretary.
- Administrative office heads are employed by the Premier and accountable to the secretary for the general conduct and management of the administrative office. They may also report directly to Ministers.
- Administrative office employees are employed by and accountable to their administrative office head.
- Public entity directors are accountable to the Minister, unless otherwise specified in legislation.
- Public entity chief executive officers (CEOs) are accountable to their board or board chair.
- Public entity employees are accountable to their CEO.
* Direct lines of communication between ministerial officers and department employees (including the DLO) are subject to the discretion of both the minister and the secretary.
Figure 1: Key lines of accountability and communication