Once a Community Cabinet site and date has been chosen, the Government sends out invitations to community groups and organisations to inform them of the upcoming visit and asks them who they want to meet and what they want to discuss. Advertisements are also placed in local newspapers about the visit and how members of the community can make a submission to meet with a Minister or public servant to discuss issues that are important to them.

Once submissions have been received, acknowledgement of the submission is sent by post. Community groups, organisations and individuals are then contacted in the week preceding the Community Cabinet visit to let them know whether they have an appointment with a Minister. The time and venue are also provided.

On the day, Ministers will meet with community members and organisations to discuss local issues. A usual Community Cabinet day consists of a series of round tables and forums on topics such as business, youth, multicultural and indigenous issues, formal meetings where Ministers and senior Departmental officials can engage with local communities, site visits by Ministers and a community reception. Individuals and community groups can make submissions to Ministers and senior Government officials discussing issues of local importance.

These consultations provide the Government with first-hand knowledge of the matters and concerns of the local community it visits. Ministers can also schedule local community visits and activities throughout the day.