About us
Role and Responsibilities
The Cultural Ministers Council is an intergovernmental forum for ministers responsible for culture and the arts in Australia and New Zealand and for invited observers from the Australian Local Government Association, Norfolk Island and Papua New Guinea.
The council promotes cultural and artistic expression to enhance national civic, social, political and economic development. It does this by co-operating, co-ordinating and collaborating on policies and initiatives of national significance relating to culture and the arts in Australia.
The council’s interests include:
- creative arts, such as literature, musical composition and visual arts/craft
- performing arts, such as music, drama, opera and ballet
- Australian Indigenous arts and culture
- film and digital media production, distribution and exhibition
- collections, including those of museums, galleries, libraries and archives.
The council operates under the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Broad Protocols and General Principles for the Operation of Ministerial Councils agreed by COAG on 25 June 2004.
The council does not have statutory or regulatory powers. Decisions are by consensus, and may be implemented through bi-lateral or multi-lateral funding arrangements as agreed by members.
History
The Cultural Ministers Council was established in 1984–85 by agreement between Australia’s Prime Minister and Premiers and the Northern Territory’s Chief Minister.
In 1991 New Zealand became a full member in lieu of its previous observer status. In 1990 the Australian Capital Territory became a full member following its change to self-government.
Meetings
The Cultural Ministers Council usually meets once a year, or more frequently if required. Meetings are hosted by the chair. The chair rotates on an annual basis.
At the end of each meeting, the council issues a communiqué as a media release that summarizes the meeting’s discussions and outcomes. The communiqués are available on the media releases page of this web site.
Ministers
Information, including a list of members and observers, is available on the Ministers page.
Standing Committee
The Cultural Ministers Council is advised and assisted by the Cultural Ministers Council Standing Committee. Information, including a list of members and observers is available on the Standing Committee page.
Working Groups
The Cultural Ministers Council establishes working groups to investigate and progress particular issues for the council’s consideration and decision. Information, including details of current working groups, is available on the Working Groups page.
Secretariat
The Cultural Ministers Council and its Standing Committee are supported by a Secretariat. Information, including contact details, is available on the Secretariat page.