The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources' vision was to help drive a stronger Australian economy by building a more profitable, more resilient and more sustainable agriculture sector, and by supporting the sustainable and productive management and use of rivers and water resources. The department's annual reports provided information about its operations and performances in each financial year, and reviews its progress towards its objectives. The department's Corporate Plan set outs the department's eight strategic objectives. Those identified in the 2016–17 plan included:
building successful primary industries
supporting agricultural communities
expanding agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports
sustaining natural resources for longer-term productive primary industries
improving water use efficiency and the health of rivers, communities, environmental assets and production systems
The department strove to build strong relationships and work with governments, industry, importers and exporters, natural resource managers, primary producers, consumers, research and development organisations, rural communities and travellers. The department employed approximately 4000 full-time equivalent staff, including accountants, animal and meat inspectors, biosecurity officers, economists, information and communication technology staff, policy officers, program administrators, researchers, scientists, survey staff and veterinary officers. The corporate structure was organised into divisions to support work across a broad range of agricultural, biosecurity, fisheries and forestry and water management activities. The department was located in regional centres, rural communities and cities throughout Australia. Around 58 per cent of its Australian-based employees worked outside Canberra, in capital cities and regional offices, major airports, mail centres, shipping ports, laboratories and abattoirs. Globally, the department operated in Bangkok, Beijing, Brussels, Dubai, Jakarta, New Delhi, Rome, Seoul, Tokyo and Washington, to maintain relationships with Australia's trading partners and international organisations.
History
The department was formed by way of an administrative order issued on 29 May 2019, replacing the previous Department of Agriculture & Water Resources, following the re-election of Scott Morrison as Prime Minister of Australia.
Preceding departments
Department of Markets and Migration
Department of Markets
Department of Markets and Transport
Department of Markets
Department of Commerce
Department of Commerce and Agriculture
Department of Primary Industry
Department of Agriculture
Department of Primary Industry
Department of Primary Industries and Energy
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Department of Agriculture
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
Operational activities
The department provided specialised policy advice to the Australian Government and delivers a range of policies and programs to:
provide evidence-based support for government and industry decision-making
help primary producers to gain and maintain access to overseas markets, including administration of export quotas
support primary producers and rural communities to be productive and sustainable through grants and other funding support, including drought assistance for farm families and businesses
manage Commonwealth fisheries in consultation and develop national approaches to sustainable management of the fishing industry
represent Australia’s interests overseas to promote responsible fishing practices and to combat illegal fishing.
foster and enable productive, profitable, internationally competitive and sustainable Australian forest and forest products industries
help primary industries and producers to adapt and respond to climate change
achieve social, economic and environmental benefits through water policy and resource management.
The department took a risk-based approach to safeguarding Australia against animal and plant pests and diseases and helps importers and exporters to meet regulatory requirements by:
assessing and inspecting imported animal and plant products and machinery for diseases, pests and weeds
setting conditions for imported animal and plant products
issuing import and export permits and undertaking certification of goods
ensuring compliance through audit, investigation and assurance activities
accrediting third parties to undertake activities on its behalf
reforming regulation and bureaucracy
The department managed, coordinated and prepared for response actions to national priority pests, diseases and weeds, including:
appropriately trained personnel, procedures and practices
preparation to act rapidly in response to an outbreak
plans and coordinated response activities with other jurisdictions and industries
preparation to manage a specific incident or offshore incursion.
The department’s work was grounded in research and science, providing information and analysis on agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries, including:
commodity forecasts
economic analysis and modelling
data and statistics on issues affecting Australian farmers and rural communities
biophysical science for biosecurity risk assessment, forecasting and diagnostics.
The department collected and audited primary industry levies for marketing, research and development, animal and plant health, residue testing and emergency response. The department worked in partnership and collaboration with its clients, stakeholders, governments and the community by engaging with those who had a vested interest in the way it dud business. This engagement consisted of:
public consultations on policy, program and operational proposals
industry forums
international delegations and international forums
