The Department for Communities informs the development of social policy, advocating on behalf of Western Australian children, parents and their families, young people, seniors, women, carers, volunteers and non-government organisations.
We are also responsible for the delivery of programs and services to support and strengthen Western Australia’s diverse communities. This includes administering WA’s child care regulatory framework and, through the Child Care Licensing and Standards Unit, managing the licensing and compliance of some 1 500 child care services throughout WA.
We also administer the Best Start program for Aboriginal families and children aged 0 - 5 years.
We provide a number of information and support services, including the Seniors
Card Program, the Seniors’ Information Service, the Women’s Information Service, and Parenting WA, which provides state-wide and locally-based services for parents, carers and those who support them. Services include the Parenting WA Line and the Parenting WA Library.
Communities also administers the State Government’s $114 m Redress WA Scheme.
We are responsible to two Ministers:
Hon Robyn McSweeney MLC
Minister for Child Protection; Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering; Women's Interests
Hon Donna Faragher MLC
Minister for the Environment; Youth