It represented Australia's national interests in agriculture, water and the environment.

On 1 July 2022, the agriculture and water component became the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), while the environment component became the new Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

[3][4] The Department represents Australia's national interests across agriculture, water and the environment.

[5] The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, Andrew Metcalfe AO,[6] is responsible to the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, Murray Watt.

It works with industry and other Australian government agencies, in particular the Department of Health and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) to develop policy and food standards.