| Department of Primary Industries Victoria | |
|---|---|
| overview | |
| 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 |
| executive | Jeff Rosewarne, Departmental Secretary |
| Website | |
| http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/ | |
The Department of Primary Industries is the central government agency responsible for agriculture, biosecurity, fisheries, earth resources, energy and forestry policy and programs in the State of Victoria, Australia. The agency is one of 11 Victorian Government departments and employs more than 2,500 staff in 70 locations across Victoria.
Contents |
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 works 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 include policy development; regulation and compliance; science, research and development; and sustainable practice change.
The department is led by a Secretary who is appointed by the Premier of Victoria. The current Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries is Jeff Rosewarne.
DPI supports two Ministerial portfolios, the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security the Hon Peter Walsh and the Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon Michael O'Brien.
The department is structured into five broad groups around its key areas of responsibility:
The department also oversees policy on responsible pet ownership in Victoria through its Bureau of Animal Welfare branch
DPI has primary responsibility for administering legislation governing agriculture, animal welfare, fisheries, and energy and earth resources in Victoria. The department administers and respond to queries regarding 38 major Acts and is responsible for collecting fees under regulations for fishing licences, mining rights, and exploration licences.