The department is responsible for the enforcement and compliance of federal law, the administration of justice and oversight of industrial relations.

It is one of only three departments, along with Defence and Treasury, to have operated continuously under their original name and charter since Federation.

These five groups are: The Attorney-General's Department is located at the Robert Garran Offices, 3-5 National Circuit, Barton in the Australian Capital Territory.

In pursuing this mission, the department works towards achieving *A just and secure society through the maintenance and improvement of Australia's law and justice framework and its national security and emergency management system".

[citation needed] The Administrative Arrangements Order made on 1 June 2022 details the following responsibilities to the Department:[25]