The department provides administrative support that enables the cabinet to identify, design and implement a coordinated policy, project and reform agenda that boosts the efficiency, productivity and effectiveness across the State.

[1][2] The Premier's Department s directly responsible for the administration and implementation of government reform agenda through policy and project support.

The department also plays a key coordinating role in disaster management, delivery of infrastructure such as major projects and industry and business development.

The following agencies are included in the Premier and Cabinet cluster, administered by the Department:[7] In 2006 the New South Wales Government commissioned an inquiry into government administration by Dr Michael Vertigan AC and Nigel Stokes, entitled New South Wales audit of expenditure and assets report or more commonly the Vertigan Report.

[17] Following the NSW coalition's victory at the 2011 state election, Liberal Premier Barry O'Farrell replaced O'Reilly with Chris Eccles on 4 April 2011.

[18] By August 2011, a revised agency structure was formalised,[19] together with an overlying management structure[20] that led to the creation of offices and divisions covering local government, planning and infrastructure including strategic lands, environment and heritage including environment and climate change, national parks and wildlife, western Sydney, parliamentary counsel, and general counsel.

[70] During 2010, the Auditor General of New South Wales accused the agency of establishing special deals with contracted public servants which resulted in them receiving a form of golden handshake.