Department of Home Affairs
Statutory definition
The Department of Home Affairs was established in 2017 when the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) was reorganised. Its functions and responsibilities are set by the Administrative Arrangements Order. The Department is the administering agency for the Migration Act 1958, the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, the Australian Border Force Act 2015, and related legislation.
Explanation
The Department of Home Affairs (commonly called "Home Affairs") encompasses:
- Immigration policy and administration (visa processing, migration program management)
- Border management and customs (through the Australian Border Force)
- Citizenship
- Multicultural affairs
- Counter-terrorism and national security coordination
- Cybersecurity (through the Australian Cyber Security Centre)
Prior to 2017, immigration functions were administered by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and, before that, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA). Older documents and court decisions may refer to these predecessor departments.
How this term is used
Correspondence with immigration authorities, visa applications, and compliance matters are directed to the Department of Home Affairs. The ABF handles operational border and compliance matters; the Department handles policy, visa processing, and citizenship. Both operate under the authority of the Minister for Home Affairs.