What’s in a name?

By Lachlan Ellis

A State Government environmental department has had its name changed, with a few portfolio changes coming with the rebranding.

As of 1 January 2023, the department formerly known as the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and then the Department of the Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has become the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

“The new department brings together portfolios that are directly related including Energy, Water, Climate Action, Environment, Agriculture and Resources, as well as our vital role in Emergency Response,” a DEECA spokesperson told the Moorabool News.

“Across DEECA we will focus on policies and programs that enhance Victoria’s key natural resources including through climate action and a renewable clean-energy future, emergency response capability and protecting the state from the threat of harmful pests and animal diseases.”

The new Department was created by the State Government’s Machinery of Government changes, comprising the Agriculture portfolio and the Resources portfolio elements of the former Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions and the functions of the former DELWP, except for those areas supporting the Planning portfolio.

Functions supporting the Minister for Planning have moved to the Department of Transport and Planning.