Message from the Chair

The Hon
Kristina Keneally MP

Welcome to the website.

Here you can find out how Australia's States and Territories are working together.

I am delighted to be this year's Chair.

Priorities for the coming year are to:

  • build on our joint efforts to respond to climate change
  • enhance Australia's productivity and promote innovation
  • promote the benefits of cooperative federalism.

Read Full Message

Council for the Australian Federation

The Council for the Australian Federation (CAF) was formed in October 2006 to support and enhance our federal system by providing an intergovernmental forum for State and Territory leaders in Australia. Each State and Territory Premier or Chief Minister is a member of CAF and the current Chair is the New South Wales Premier, the Hon. Kristina Keneally.

Our objectives are to:

  • provide leadership on and promote innovative solutions to matters important to Australians
  • promote constructive engagement with the Commonwealth Government and Parliament on matters of national interest
  • promote and communicate to the Australian people the benefits of Australia's federal system in providing diversity of policy options
  • complement the work of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and facilitate COAG-based agreements with the Commonwealth by working towards a common position among the States and Territories
  • reach collaborative agreement on cross-jurisdictional issues where a Commonwealth imprimatur is unnecessary.