New Solution, Same Problems? The National Cabinet's Role in Australian Federalism

Federalism has long struggled as a point of conflict between the Westminster and Washington governance traditions on which the Australian Constitution was built. The adoption of a National Cabinet as a permanent feature of intergovernmental relations presents a fresh challenge, attempting to mix the Westminster notions of Cabinet solidarity and responsibility into the traditional federal model. Examining the Cabinet's operation therefore promises new insights into Australian federalism and the role and place of Cabinet conventions in Australia's constitutional structure.