Department of Social Services (Australia)

Department of Social Services

The head office of the Department of Social Services, located in Greenway, Canberra
Department overview
Formed18 September 2013 (2013-09-18)
Preceding department
JurisdictionAustralian Government
Employees2,305 (2017–18)
Ministers responsible
Department executive
Child agencies
Websitedss.gov.au

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is a department of the Australian Government charged with the responsibility for national policies and programs that help deliver a strong and fair society for all Australians. The department develops and implements social policy.

The head of the department is the Secretary of the Department of Social Services, currently Michael Lye, who reports to the Minister for Social Services. As of May 2025, the ministers of the department are Tanya Plibersek, Minister for Social Services, and Katy Gallagher, Minister for Government Services. They are joined by one assistant minister, Ged Kearney, who is the Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence.

The head office of the department is located in the Australian Capital Territory suburb of Greenway.