Federal Executive Council (Australia)

The Federal Executive Council is a formal body that advises the Governor-General of Australia. It is Australia's highest formal instrument of executive power. In practice, the Council serves to give legal effect to decisions already made by Cabinet.

Membership of the Executive Council is for life, and consists primarily of current and former ministers of the Crown. However, in practice, only current ministers are actively involved.

The Governor-General presides over the Executive Council, but in their absence, the senior minister present acts as presiding officer. The quorum for a meeting is two members.

The role of the Executive Council is largely procedural. It gives legal effect to decisions of Cabinet by issuing Orders in Council. These orders are then signed by the Governor-General, making them legally binding. Matters brought before the Executive Council have been previously considered and agreed to by the Cabinet.

The Executive Council's activities ensure that executive actions are properly authorised and legally sound. It is a key part of the Australian system of responsible government. The Secretary of the Executive Council is a senior public servant, and is responsible for the smooth running of Council business.