The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is all about people. Our purpose is to improve the lives of Australians by creating opportunities for economic and social participation by individuals, families and communities.
We are the Australian Government's main source of advice on social policy and the largest spending department—accountable for nearly a quarter of budget outlays.
Our work touches every Australian at some stage and is often in the national spotlight—for example working with Indigenous communities, reforming the pension system, improving the safety of our children, and helping Australians affected by disaster.
We develop policies and design programs to make communities stronger, such as the National Framework for protecting Australia’s Children, and the Australian Government White Paper on Homelessness.
FaHCSIA is also responsible for high profile government initiatives and programs including the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan and the Paid Parental Leave Scheme.
As the lead agency for social policy, FaHCSIA’s portfolio is extensive. We provide policy advice on:
We work collaboratively with a number of Government agencies through a range of business partnership agreements—for example, FaHCSIA funds and develops policy for the social security system, which is then delivered by Centrelink. We also work closely with partners and stakeholders such as other businesses, non-profit organisations and community groups, service providers, researchers and peak bodies.
Our national office is in Canberra, with state offices based in capital cities. We also have regional offices and Indigenous Coordination Centres located across Australia.