Australian Local Government Association

Commonwealth departments

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (AFFA)

AFFA has the dual roles of providing customer services to the agricultural, food, fisheries and forest industries, and addressing the challenges of natural resource management.

Attorney-General

The Attorney-General's Department provides expert support to the Government in the maintenance and improvement of Australia's system of law and justice.

Communications Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA)

DCITA provides strategic advice and professional support to the Australian Government on a wide range of policy areas, such as arts, culture, intellectual property, information technology, sport, post, broadcasting and telecommunications. The Department also administers legislation, regulations, grants, and incentives to industry and the wider community.

Defence

Defence consists of the Australian Defence Force - members of the Navy, Army and Air Force and civilians in the Australian Public Service.

Education, Science and Training (DEST)

DETYA provides access to the latest information on education, science and training.

Emergency Management Australia (EMA)

EMA offers national leadership in the development of measures to reduce risk to communities and manage the consequences of disasters.

Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB)

DEWRSB's role is to maximise the ability of all Australians of working age to find work, particularly those that face the most severe barriers to work; and support strong employment growth and the improved productive performance of enterprises in Australia.

Environment and Heritage

The Environment Portal provides access to online services and information provided by Australian, State and Local Governments. Information is organised by seven broad environmental themes - Atmosphere, Biodiversity, Coasts and Oceans, Environment Protection, Heritage, Inland Waters, and Land.

Family and Community Services (FaCS)

FaCS provides policies, income support and assistance for families and their children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, carers and community groups. The Office for Women provides policies and programs for women.

Finance and Administration

The Department of Finance and Administration (Finance) plays an important facilitation role at the centre of the Commonwealth Government, helping the government to achieve its policy objectives.

Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

DFAT's aim is to advance the interests of Australia and Australians internationally, including enhanced security, economic growth, assistance to Australian overseas and management of the Commonwealth's overseas owned estate.

Health and Aged Care

The Portfolio of Health and Ageing has a diverse set of responsibilities concerning the development of Australia's health and ageing system, including access to Medicare, rural health, aboriginal health, hearing services, and quality of life for older Australians.

Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA)

DIMIA has responsibility for visas, border immigration control, settlement programs, citizenship, ethnic affairs, multicultural affairs, indigenous affairs and reconciliation.

Industry, Tourism and Resources (ITR)

ITR has a key role in increasing prosperity for all Australians through internationally competitive and sustainable businesses.

Prime Minister and Cabinet

This department deals with coordination of government administration, assistance to Cabinet and its committees, policy advice and administrative support to the Prime Minister, intergovernmental relations and communications with state and territory governments and government ceremonial and hospitality.

Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) and Australian Government Regional Information Service (AGRIS)

DOTARS is responsible for issues relating to all forms of transport and regional services.
AGRIS provides information and links to Australian Government programmes and services relevant to people living in non-metropolitan, rural and remote Australia.

Treasury

Treasury is divided into four groups, Fiscal, Macroeconomic, Revenue and Markets with support coming from the Corporate Service Division.