1384.6 - Statistics - Tasmania, 2005  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/09/2005   
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Contents >> Government >> Tasmanian Government >> The Cabinet and Executive Government

In Tasmania, as in the other states and the Commonwealth, executive government is based on the system that evolved in Britain in the 18th century, and which is generally known as ‘Cabinet’, or ‘responsible’ government. Its essence is that:

    • heads of the state (in Tasmania, the Governor) should perform governmental acts on the advice of ministers
    • they should choose ministers of state from members of parliament belonging to the party, or coalition of parties, commanding a majority in the popular House
    • the ministry, the Cabinet, so chosen should be collectively responsible to that House for the government of the state
    • the ministry should resign or advise an election if it ceases to command a majority there.

The Cabinet system operates chiefly by means of constitutional conventions, customs or understandings, and through institutions that do not form part of the legal structure of government. In law, the executive power of the state is exercised by the Governor who is advised by and appoints the Executive Council.

The Executive Council comprises all Ministers of the Crown, the Chief Justice and Judges from the Supreme Court. At Executive Council meetings, the decisions of Cabinet are (where necessary) given legal form, appointments are made, resignations accepted, proclamations issued, and regulations approved.

THE PREMIER

Mr Paul Lennon was sworn in as Premier of Tasmania on 21 March 2004, following the resignation of Mr Jim Bacon, Premier since 14 September 1998.

Mr Lennon's areas of responsibility include Aboriginal Affairs, Local Government, Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, Service Tasmania, Commonwealth/State Relations, Seniors Bureau and Treasury.


A list of the Premiers of Tasmania from 1856 (the year in which the first elected Parliament sat) can be found on the Tasmanian Parliamentary Library web site, http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/tpl/datasheets/Premiers_Table.htm

More information about the Premier of Tasmania is available from the Premier's web site, http://www.premier.tas.gov.au



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