About the Department

We drive big ideas at the heart of government. We strive to make NSW a great place to live, work and visit by enhancing the lives of the eight million people who call our state home.

We’re accountable for the leadership of more than 400,000 people in the NSW Public Service who all have a focus on securing the best outcomes for the people of NSW.

We support the NSW Premier and Ministers by:

  • carrying out a coordinated policy, project and reform agenda that boosts the efficiency, productivity and effectiveness of NSW
  • partnering with NSW Government agencies, as well as the private, not-for-profit and academic sectors to ensure that services are delivered on time, within budget and to the community’s expectations
  • coordinating the initiatives of Ministers and their agencies to achieve the government’s targets
  • managing the passage of government legislation
  • supporting the delivery of major projects
  • coordinating and planning significant state events
  • working with the federal government and other state and territory governments on national reforms.

DPC is made up of five groups

The Policy Group will create a better NSW for our citizens through: 

  • Positioning NSW to take advantage of big changes affecting citizens, communities, services and places over the long term
  • Driving results in the Premier’s Priorities
  • Leveraging our partnerships with the Australian and other governments to deliver resources, drive priorities and mitigate risks

There are four branches within the group:

  • Economic Policy
  • Social Policy
  • Premier’s Implementation Unit
  • WestInvest

Supporting the Premier and Government to engage with citizens and stakeholders, including through media, visits and events.

There are two branches within this group:

  • Shaping Futures
  • Partnerships & Engagement

The Office of General Counsel develops and implements policy reforms within the Premier’s portfolio, assists with whole-of-government priority reforms, manages DPC’s litigation and external legal services (except employment matters), and provides legal and policy advice to the department. It also supports the operation and coordination of Cabinet and leads the corporate governance function.

The office is made up of:

  • Cabinet and Governance Branch – supports Cabinet (including committees and National Cabinet) and leads the department’s corporate governance culture and practice.
  • Legal Branch – provides legal advice to the Premier and the department, provides sector leadership on whole-of-government legal issues and supports the Premier and the Special Minister of State on constitutional, integrity and electoral legislation.

Information and Privacy Unit – manages DPC’s compliance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 and co-ordinates returns to orders for papers under Standing Order 52 of the Legislative Council.

The group consists of four branches:

  • Finance Strategy & Performance
  • Digital & Information
  • People, Culture, & Talent
  • Employee Relations

Aboriginal Affairs works with Aboriginal communities to promote social, economic and cultural well-being through opportunity, choice, healing, responsibility and empowerment.

Our Executive

Mr Michael Coutts-Trotter
Secretary – Department of Premier and Cabinet 

Ms Sarah Cruickshank
Deputy Secretary, Policy

Ms Samara Dobbins
Deputy Secretary, People and Operations

Ms Kate Boyd
Deputy Secretary, General Counsel

Ms Kate Meagher
Deputy Secretary, Community Engagement

Shane Hamilton
Head of Aboriginal Affairs NSW