inspectors, biosecurity officers, economists, information and communication technology (ICT) staff, policy officers, program administrators, researchers, scientists, survey staff and veterinary officers. The corporate structure was organised into divisions to support work across a broad range of agricultural, biosecurity, fisheries and forestry and water management activities. The department was located in regional centres, rural communities and cities throughout Australia. Around 58 per cent of its Australian-based employees worked outside Canberra, in capital cities and regional offices, major airports, mail centres, shipping ports, laboratories and abattoirs. Globally, the department operated in Bangkok, Beijing, Brussels, Dubai, Jakarta, New Delhi, Rome, Seoul, Tokyo and Washington, to maintain relationships with Australia's trading partners and international organisations. History The department was formed by way of an administrative order issued on 29 May 2019, replacing the previous Department of Agriculture & Water Resources, following the re-election of Scott Morrison as Prime Minister of Australia. Preceding departments Department of Markets and Migration (16 January 1925 – 19 January 1928) Department of Markets (19 January 1928 – 10 December 1928) Department of Markets and Transport (10 December 1928 – 21 April 1930) Department of Markets (21 April 1930 – 13 April 1932) Department of Commerce (13 April 1932 – 22 December 1942) Department of Commerce and Agriculture (22 December 1942 – 11 January 1956) Department of Primary Industry (11 January 1956 – 2 June 1974) Department of Agriculture (12 June 1974 – 22 December 1975) Department of Primary Industry (22 December 1975 – 24 July 1987) Department of Primary Industries and Energy (24 July 1987 – 21 October 1998) Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (21 October 1998 – 18 September 2013) Department of Agriculture (18 September 2013 – 21 September 2015) Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (21 September 2015 – 29 May 2019) Operational activities The department provided specialised policy advice to the Australian Government and delivers a range of policies and programs to: provide evidence-based support for government and industry decision-making help primary producers to gain and maintain access to overseas markets, including administration of export quotas support primary producers and rural communities to be productive and sustainable through grants and other funding support, including drought assistance for farm families and businesses manage Commonwealth fisheries in consultation and develop national approaches to sustainable management of the fishing industry represent Australia’s interests overseas to promote responsible fishing practices and to combat illegal fishing. foster and enable productive,