One important factor that no one is questioning in Australia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been the impressive and central role of the so-called National Cabinet. (Not withstanding the current spike in Victorian cases arising from local transmissions).

The evidence for its crucial role is plain to see, in the setting aside of party political – in fact seemingly nearly all political – considerations, the unified approach and messaging, even taking into account that each jurisdiction faces different circumstances. The speed with which it has responded, and, of course, one of my favourites, the heady sight of politicians a) asking for advice from experts, b) acting on that advice and c) allowing those experts to have the public profile to explain those responses.

There have since been numerous column inches devoted to this unprecedented (yes I did write that) display of teamwork and shared leadership and decision making. With the odd notable exception, like early days on school closures, we have seen little lecturing by the ‘wise old commonwealth’ to the recalcitrant states and territories which was a common phenomenon in the past efforts at federal state relations. So much so, that the Prime Minister has called time on the previous vehicle – the charmingly named COAG (Council of Australian Governments) – and said that the new National Cabinet will replace it. This has been greeted with howls of support from all round – just about. Support has come from most quarters, including some who may even have an inkling of what COAG was or did. I personally take with a grain of salt the report that 75% of a particular group of ‘the public’ ie those surveyed, felt that the National Cabinet would be better than COAG. Hands up who might think that there isn’t much to be taken from that as you can’t believe 75% of the general public know what COAG is, let alone what it was set up to do and how well it has achieved its objectives. Heck, I bet 95% of folks didn’t even know it existed.

Be that as it may, the joy at the death of COAG and the ascendency of the National Cabinet seems to me to be a little bit premature. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not about to launch into a strong defence of COAG, but maybe the enthusiasm and expectations for the new body could do with a little tempering.

First a little history. Prior to 1995, when COAG was established, meetings between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories were ad hoc affairs. Prime Minister Keating established COAG to oversee the implementation of the National Competition Policy. In that respect, I suspect it would be gauged as mostly successful. However, it morphed into a general forum for dealing with (some) Commonwealth-State issues, and indeed, it was the home of the attempt, lead by Victoria but never really having the buy-in from the other jurisdictions to succeed, of a Third Wave of Reform. But its remit had also substantially widened to include all manner of topics including further energy reform, the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, waste, domestic violence, and a whole raft of partnerships and other agreements. Critics accuse it of becoming too bureaucratic – a place where good ideas go to die. But any institution charged with such a broad range of responsibilities is going to implode or descend into a maze of committees and sub-committees – or both.

So yes, it was definitely time, 25 years on, to consider what COAG was doing, why and how. The pandemic just provided a big push to the inevitable.

On 29 May 2020, the Prime Minister announced that the COAG will cease and a new National Federation Reform Council (NFRC) will be formed, with National Cabinet at the centre of the NFRC. Beyond that – not much else, oh except to note that the Treasurers will also form a group (as they had in the past) still to be known as the Council on Federal Financial Relations, and it will take on a broader role in the funding agreements between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories. I might add this is where the real angst will emerge, it always does around the money. There will also be ‘taskforces’ to deal with those other aspects of COAG business – eg domestic violence etc. The focus for the National Cabinet will be singular, but have many strands – as it works towards job creation. It will meet fortnightly for the present, but monthly once the pandemic requirement is lessened. One excellent outcome is that it will continue to be done electronically, so that premiers from more distant locations can fully participate – this is especially important for those in WA and the NT.

Much of this sounds good. But as the nuns used to drill into us – the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Hopefully this will have a life of five really useful years and, assuming that changes of government do not result in a lessening of the impetus, this group will remain active and true to its goals.

But the remit is bound to broaden, the need to speak with one voice will be curbed by the lessening of the imperative and politics will again enter the fray.

So yes, it was past time for COAG to be reviewed, revamped or retired. There is much to be hopeful for with this new arrangement. But there is also much to be circumspect about. Let’s revisit this in 18 months to three years and see what’s happened. But also, let’s build in some points of national review – anything from 5 to 10 years would be okay. Letting these processes drag on, morph and get various roles attached to it over the years willy nilly risks loss of purpose and focus, poor outcomes and most importantly a loss of faith in the institution to do its main job – of bringing together the jurisdictions to solve problems in a meaningful and collegiate way – oh, like grownups!

One last jibe if I may. It’s not a Cabinet like those of us well inculcated in public service advice and policy would think of it. The processes etc around it are completely different and while some of the changes – possibly no more communiques at the end of each meeting – might seem like a win – a little more transparency could lead to a lot more accountability and, as a tax payer and citizen, that thought gladdens my tiny shrivelled heart. Just sayin’.

Post Script. If you are interested, Annabel Crabb has written an engaging piece on the recent history of Federation reform which might provide you with a little more context if you are not previously mired in the arcane byways of this topic. You can find it here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-07/federal-reform-treacherous-waters-scott-morrison-capital/12320028?utm_source=abc_news&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=abc_news

Sorry about the lack of a hyperlink – some aspects of WordPress still elude me.