Summary

Description

Cabinet decisions are given the formal title 'Minutes'. The term 'Decisions' is not strictly applicable to Cabinet in the legal sense as the exercise of statutory powers is normally the legislative responsibility of individual ministers or of the Executive Council. Information recorded in Decisions includes the location and date of the meeting, decision number, submission number, title, and decision and circulation statement (for example, 'all ministers'). Each decision has been stamped and signed by the Secretary to Cabinet. A statement of certification as a correct copy is also stamped. The circulation records include the decision number, location and date of the meeting, subject, submission number (number or oral submission), number of copies made and circulation details (number, name of minister or department, date and time). Cabinet submissions were intended to lead to cabinet decisions and come in four distinct forms: policy, authority to prepare a Bill, authority to introduce a Bill, and authority to forward significant subordinate legislation. Submissions include the submission number, copy number and the name of the person or department making the submission. Each submission is stamped with the date and time received. Supporting documentation for submissions are included, such as plans, reports and bills.