Frequently asked Questions
When was the first COAG meeting?
The Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers agreed to establish COAG in May 1992. It first met in Perth in December 1992.
How often are COAG meetings held?
It is expected that COAG will meet at least once a year. During the term of the current Commonwealth Government, however, the number of meetings has risen to four per year and COAG is likely to continue to meet with this frequency in future.
COAG may also settle particular issues by correspondence, when insufficient issues exist to require a meeting. In recent years, a number of issues have been settled in this manner.
Where are the COAG meetings held?
Since December 2007, COAG meetings have been held at different locations around the States and Territories. Between 1995 and April 2007, COAG meetings were held at Parliament House in Canberra. Prior to that, meetings were held in Perth (1992), Melbourne (1993), Hobart (1994) and Darwin (1994).
Who is a member of COAG?
COAG comprises the Prime Minister, State Premiers, Territory Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association. The Prime Minister chairs COAG.
How is the agenda set?
Potential COAG issues may emerge from major initiatives of one government which impact on other governments or that require the cooperation of other governments.
Other issues come to COAG from Ministerial Councils. This can be in the course of implementing existing policy, for example, National Competition Policy, or in developing policies such as food regulation reform.
The Prime Minister, as chair of COAG, when canvassing with his COAG colleagues possible dates for meetings, also seeks suggestions from them as to what might be on the agenda for particular meetings. All input is considered by the Prime Minister, when as chair, he settles the content of the agenda for each meeting.
Can I get a copy of the agenda?
Normally the agenda is not available publicly prior to a meeting. However, immediately following a meeting the communique is made available on the COAG website and generally also on COAG member websites.
What is the Communiqué?
The Communiqué is the record of the outcomes of a COAG meeting.
How does COAG make decisions?
COAG reaches decisions through consensus of all members.