DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

The (Federal) Department of Social Services has responsibility for families, housing, social services and disability services.

The Department Social Services (DSS) is the Australian Government's main source of advice on social policy and manages about one fifth of the federal budget.

DSS works in partnership with other government and non-government organisations managing a diverse range of programs and services designed to support and improve the lives of Australians.

While DSS's national office is in Canberra, the Department also has the DSS Network comprising:

State offices in every capital city. (The Australian Capital Territory office is administered by the New South Wales state office). The state offices represent DSS at the state, regional and local level and work to improve the impact and management of relevant Commonwealth Government policies, programs and initiatives;