First Principles of Business Law

5.3.2. Functions and powers of the executive

Executive government involves a wide range of functions such as ensuring the supply of goods and services, maintaining security and order, administering the law, developing and implementing new policies.  Members of the executive administer the law; appoint officials; and formulate domestic and foreign policy.  The executive also takes a lead role in the process of enacting legislation. The Crown must formally assent to legislation enacted by parliament before it becomes law.

Government ministers are given executive powers by various statutes. These powers require or permit them to make decisions, appointments or grants. Statutes may permit ministers and other members of the executive to make legal regulations on their own authority. These regulations are referred to as 'delegated legislation' since the power to make them is given (delegated) to the executive by the legislature.

Question:  In Australian governments, ministers answer only to the chief minister who appoints them. They cannot be called on to explain and justify their actions to parliament.