What is an Administrative Arrangements Order?

An Administrative Arrangements Order is a formal document issued by the Executive Council in both the Federal and State Parliaments (and generally published in the Federal and/or State Gazettes or electronic registers), which assigns responsibility for legislation and functions to departments of State.

Administrative changes occur when agencies and departments are created, modified or abolished, and responsibility for legislation and functions (and records) is transferred from one jurisdiction, portfolio, department or agency to another. Administrative changes are usually notified through Administrative Arrangements Orders.