The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries was formed on 1 July 2017 following the amalgamation of the former Department of Culture and the Arts, Department of Sport and Recreation, Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor, and the local government and office of multicultural interests functions of the Department of Local Government and Communities. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs' Aboriginal History Research Unit also joined the new Department.
This significant government reform was aimed at creating collaborative departments focused on whole-of-Government objectives and delivering services in the most efficient way, including using new technology.
