Department of Communities and Justice


The New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice, a department of the Government of New South Wales, is responsible for the delivery of services to some of the most disadvantaged individuals, families and communities; and the administration and development of a just and equitable legal system of courts, tribunals, laws and other mechanisms that further the principles of justice in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It also provides services to children and young people, families, people who are homeless, people with a disability, their families and carers, women, and older people. The department is the lead agency of the Stronger Communities cluster of the New South Wales government.
The department was formed on 1 July 2019 following the 2019 state election that saw the formation of the second Berejiklian ministry. The department assumed most of functions from the former Department of Family and Community Services, and the former Department of Justice. The new department was originally meant to be named Department of Family, Community Services and Justice when announced on the gazette in April 2019, but was changed to its current name in June 2019.

Governing legislation

Adult correctional operations are governed by the Crimes Act 1999. Other relevant laws include the ,,,,,, and.
Juvenile justice operates under the terms of the, the, the, and the.

Structure

DCJ is made up of seven divisions, including:
These are supported by a Strategy, Policy and Commissioning and a Corporate Services division.
Each division is led by a deputy secretary. The deputy secretaries report to secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter.

Ministers

The following ministers are responsible for the administration of the department and its agencies:
All ministers were appointed with effect from 2 April 2019; however Mark Speakman has served as Attorney General since 30 January 2017. Ultimately the ministers are responsible to the Parliament of New South Wales.

Agencies administered

The following agencies are administered by the department: