The 2011–12 departmental annual report identified the two outcomes as:[7] The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) within the department provided economic analysis, research and statistics on infrastructure, transport and regional development issues to inform Australian Government policy development and wider community understanding.

[9]: p.24  The department worked with states and territories on transport and infrastructure planning to inform investment priorities of the day.

[9]: p.24 [10]: p.23  A major component of infrastructure investment for the department was the Nation Building Program, with an annual administered expenses budget of $463 million in 2013–14.

Legislation administered by the department mandated risk-based preventive security outcomes in the aviation, air cargo, maritime and offshore oil and gas sectors.

[10]: p.50  Some of the activities undertaken by the department as part of this program included: Through the road safety program, the department aimed to contribute to the development of a safer road transport system by working to make vehicles and occupants safer, and drivers more informed.

[10]: pp.57 The department undertook a range of functions to ensure the aviation industry operated within a clear and robust safety regulatory environment and that Australian businesses and consumers had access to competitive international and domestic air services.