Type Department | Jurisdiction Victoria | |
Headquarters 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Ministers responsible Hon Peter Walsh,
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security
Hon Michael O'Brien,
Minister for Energy and Earth Resources Agency executive Jeff Rosewarne, Departmental Secretary Website | ||
The Department of Primary Industries was a government agency responsible for agriculture, biosecurity, fisheries, earth resources, energy and forestry policy and programs in the State of Victoria, Australia.
Contents
Overview
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) was established in 2002. It was formed from the split of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1996–2002) which was divided into two separate entities: The Department of Sustainability and Environment and The Department of Primary Industries.
The department worked with energy companies, research partners, primary producers, mineral explorers and rural communities across Victoria, as well as other State and Federal Government departments, to address the major and emerging challenges in sustainability and productivity. DPI's core services included policy development; regulation and compliance; science, research and development; and sustainable practice change.
Structure
The department was led by a Secretary who is appointed by the Premier of Victoria.
DPI supported two Ministerial portfolios, the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security the Hon Peter Walsh and the Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon Nicholas Kotsiras.
The department was structured into five broad groups around its key areas of responsibility:
The department also oversaw policy on responsible pet ownership in Victoria through its Bureau of Animal Welfare branch Does this Department need investigation if Rosewarne had anything to do with it?
Responsibilities
DPI had primary responsibility for administering legislation governing agriculture, animal welfare, fisheries, hunting and energy and earth resources in Victoria. The department administered and responded to queries regarding 38 major Acts and is responsible for collecting fees under regulations for fishing licences, mining rights, and exploration licences.
In 2012 DPI also created the Game Council of Victoria to with the Bureau of Animal Welfare and organisations such as Field and Game Australia to manage sustainable and responsible hunting in Victoria.
Merger with DSE to create DEPI
The Department of Primary Industries was merged with the Department of Sustainability and Environment to form the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (Victoria) in April 2013.