What We Do
- What we do
- We support and help
- We work in partnership with
- Our purpose
- Our outcomes
- Working with state and territory governments
- Community recovery
What we do
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is the Australian Government's principal source of advice on social policy and is responsible for about a quarter of the government's budgetary outlays.FaHCSIA works in partnership with other government and non-government organisations in the management of a diverse range of programs and services designed to support and improve the lives of Australians.
FaHCSIA, through its Office for Indigenous Policy Coordination, is responsible for coordinating a whole of government approach to programs and services for Indigenous Australians, and has a central role in the Australian Government's arrangements in Indigenous Affairs.
Through the Office for Women, FaHCSIA also provides policy advice to the Government on issues affecting women in Australia.
While FaHCSIA's national office is in Canberra, the department also has offices located in each state and territory throughout Australia, including rural and regional areas.
A large number of staff are employed throughout regional Australia based in Indigenous Coordination Centres. The centres help to implement a whole-of-government approach to delivering Indigenous services and programs.
We support and help
- families and children
- young people and students
- working-age people
- people with disabilities
- carers
- the aged
- people living in rural and remote areas
- people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
- communities across the country.
We work in partnership with
- other Australian Government departments and agencies
- state and territory governments
- local government
- foreign governments
- businesses
- the not-for-profit community sector
- peak representative organisations
- service providers
- research bodies
- individuals, families and communities.
Our purpose
Improving the lives of Australians by helping to build the capacity and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.What FaHCSIA values:
- Respect
We respect our clients, stakeholders and each other - Collaboration
We value collaboration with our colleagues, key partners and agencies - Professionalism
We value professionalism, integrity and responsive service to the government of the day - Results
We will deliver results and improve outcomes for our clients through appropriate processes and structures - Innovation
We value innovation, creativity and continuous improvement.
Our outcomes
- 1. Greater self-reliance and economic, social and community engagement for Indigenous Australians
Services and assistance that promote greater self-reliance and engagement for Indigenous families and communities through: shared responsibility; practical support; and innovative whole of government policy.
2. Seniors, people with disabilities, carers, youth and women are supported, recognised and encouraged to participate in the community
Services and assistance that help people to participate actively in community and economic life; access a responsive and sustainable safety net; and develop their capabilities.
3. Families and children have choices and opportunities
Services and assistance that help children have the best possible start in life; promote healthy family relationships; help families adapt to changing economic and social circumstances and take an active part in the community; and assist families with the costs of children.
4. Strong and resilient communities
Services and assistance that help homeless people and low-income households to gain affordable and appropriate housing; promote community partnerships; and encourage participation in the local community by individuals, families, business and government.