Departments
Attorney-General's Department (AG's)
The Attorney-General's Department serves the people of Australia by providing essential expert support to the Government in the maintenance and improvement of Australia's system of law and justice.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has the dual roles of providing customer services to the agricultural, food, fisheries and forest industries, and addressing the challenges of natural resource management.
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy (DBCDE)
The Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts changed its name to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy on 3 December, 2007. Responsibility for culture and the arts was transferred to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and responsibility for sport transferred to the Department of Health and Ageing. The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy provides strategic advice to the government on the development of policies and programs for enhancing Australia's broadband and communications sectors and the digital economy, and ensures the efficient and effective implementation of programs.
Department of Climate Change
The Department of Climate Change was created on 3 December 2007. It delivers programmes under the Australian Government's climate change strategy. These programmes were formerly administered by the Australian Greenhouse Office.
Department of Defence
The Australian Government Department of Defence aims to promote the security of Australia, and to protect its people and its national interests.
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) was created on 3 December 2007, bringing together elements of the former Departments of Education, Science and Training, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Youth and Early Childhood functions from the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs responsibilities include developing and implementing income security policies and programs, services for people with disabilities and families with children, community support services, family relationship services and public housing. In January 2006 the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) became part of the Portfolio.
Department of Finance and Deregulation
The Department of Finance and Administration changed its name to the Department of Finance and Deregulation on 3 December, 2007.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for the Australian Government's international relations, trade and development assistance programs through its headquarters in Canberra and Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates throughout the world.
Department of Health and Ageing
The Department of Health and Ageing seeks to provide better health and healthier ageing for all Australians through a world-class health system.
Department of Human Services
The Department of Human Services was established to improve the development and delivery of Australian Government social and health-related services to the Australian people. The core department's role is to direct, coordinate and broker improvements to service delivery through the six Human Services agencies: Medicare Australia, Centrelink, Child Support Agency, HSA Group, CRS Australia and Australian Hearing.
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship provides information and application forms for migration to Australia, and information about settling in Australia, Australian citizenship, and multicultural affairs.
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government is responsible for infrastructure planning and coordination; transport safety, including investigations; land transport; civil aviation and airports; transport security; delivery of regional and rural specific services; maritime transport including shipping; regional development; matters relating to local government; and major projects facilitation.
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR)
A new Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) was created on 3 December, 2007. Responsibility for industry from the former Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources was amalgamated with responsibility for science and research from the former Department of Education, Science and Training.
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET)
A new Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) was created on 3 December, 2007. Responsibility for resources, energy and tourism from the former Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources were transferred to the new department.
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
The Department of Environment and Water Resources changed its name to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on 3 December, 2007. Responsibility for culture and the arts was transferred from the former Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PMC)
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is the primary source of advice on government and parliamentary policy matters covering such issues as Cabinet processes, accountability and the management of the public service.
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
The Veterans' Affairs portfolio is responsible for carrying out Government policy and implementing programs to fulfil Australia's obligations to war veterans and their dependants.
The Treasury
The Treasury Department aims to improve the wellbeing of the Australian people, by providing sound and timely advice to the Government based on thorough analysis of options, and by assisting the Treasury Ministers in the administration of their responsibilities and the implementation of Government decisions.
