Much like what occurs in Australia, this paper argues that while creating a new department can be useful to focus on a high priority issue or to bring together related policy areas, most changes in the United Kingdom are rushed through either to send a political signal or to reward allies.

This resource was compiled by the Parliamentary Library's Research and Inquiries unit. It provides an overview of issues that were prominent during the 58th Victorian Parliament, as shown through developments in legislative action, parliamentary debate, media coverage and public research.

Administrative Arrangements Order (AAOs) formally allocate executive responsibility among ministers. They set out which matters and legislation are administered by which department or portfolio. This updated document sets out the Australian government's portfolio and department changes following the Morrison Government's re-election.

One of the key functions of the APS is how it interacts with ministers, and the nature and quality of that relationship affects the quality of public administration. This paper explores those interactions, how they have changed over time, and explores a new vision of the APS which is open to the community.

This research investigates Victoria’s overarching approach to environmental governance. It provides an account of Victoria’s environment portfolio, how it has evolved to meet changing priorities, and what might be done in the future. The approach to research is informed by policy analysis, portfolio studies, and contemporary history.