centres, rural communities and cities throughout Australia. Around 58 per cent of its Australian-based employees work outside Canberra, in capital cities and regional offices, major airports, mail centres, shipping ports, laboratories and abattoirs. Globally, the department works 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 21 September 2015, replacing the previous Department of Agriculture, following the appointment of Malcolm Turnbull 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) Operational activities The department provides 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, profitable, internationally competitive and sustainable Australian forest and forest products industries help primary industries and producers to adapt and respond to climate change achieve social, economic and environmental benefits through water policy and resource management. The department takes a risk-based approach to safeguarding Australia against animal and plant pests and diseases and helps importers and exporters to meet regulatory requirements by: assessing and inspecting imported animal and