Department of Agriculture (Australia)
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| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 18 September 2013[1] |
| Preceding Department | |
| Dissolved | 21 September 2015 |
| Superseding agency | |
| Jurisdiction | Australia |
| Employees | 4,644 (at June 2014)[2] |
| Ministers responsible |
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| Department executives |
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| Website | www |
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture was a federal government department charged with the responsibility to develop and implement policies and programs that ensure Australia's agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable.
The head of the department was the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, initially Paul Grimes (until March 2015) and then Daryl Quinlivan. The Secretary was responsible to the Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP .
Overview
Department of Agriculture policies and programs:
- encourage and support sustainable natural resource use and management
- protect the health and safety of plant and animal industries
- enable industries to adapt to compete in a fast-changing international and economic environment
- help improve market access and market performance for the agricultural and food sector
- encourage and assist industries to adopt new technology and practices
- assist primary producers and the food industry to develop business and marketing skills, and to be financially self-reliant.
History
The department was formed by way of an administrative order issued on 18 September 2013[3] and replaced the functions previously performed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Operational activities
The department facilitated the development of self-reliant, profitable, competitive and sustainable Australian farm businesses and industries. Through consultation with industry, the department develops and implements policies and programs that help to assure product safety and integrity. Particular emphasis is placed on on-farm risk management that relates to food safety.
