The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia. COAG comprises the Prime Minister, State Premiers, Territory Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA). The then Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers agreed to establish COAG in May 1992. It first met in December 1992. The Prime Minister chairs COAG.
The role of COAG is to initiate, develop and monitor the implementation of policy reforms that are of national significance and which require cooperative action by Australian governments. Issues may arise from, among other things: Ministerial Council deliberations, international treaties which affect the States and Territories, or major initiatives of one government (particularly the Australian Government) which impact on other governments or require the cooperation of other governments.
In February 2006, Australian leaders recognised that mental health is a major problem for the Australian community and committed to reform the mental health system in Australia. On 14 July 2006 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a National Action Plan on Mental Health. It provides a strategic framework that emphasises coordination and collaboration between government, private and non-government providers in order to deliver a more seamless and connected care system, so that people with mental illness are able to participate in the community.
More information about COAG is available from their website at www.COAG.gov.au 
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