This article is about the department of the Australian Government that develops social policy. For the executive agency that operates federal welfare programs, see
Services Australia. For the historical Department of Social Services from 1939–1972, see
Department of Social Services (1939–72).
Department of Social Services
The head office of the Department of Social Services, located in Greenway,
Canberra
The Department of Social Services (DSS) is a
department of the
Government of Australia charged with the responsibility for national policies and programs that help deliver a strong and fair society for all Australians. The department develops and implements
social policy.
In an
Administrative Arrangements Order made on 18 September 2013, the functions of the department were broadly classified into the following matters:[5]
Services to help people with disabilities obtain employment
Arrangements for the settlement of migrants and humanitarian entrants, other than migrant child and migrant adult education
Non-profit sector and volunteering
Multicultural affairs
Secretary of the Department
The Secretary of the Department Social Services is the head of the department, also known as the
secretary of the level of Senior Executive Service Band 4 in the
Australian Public Service as per the Public Service Act 1999.