The Corporate Affairs Department was created on the 1 February 1985 following the abolition of the Corporate Affairs Office. The Department was abolished on 3 April 1991, following the passing of federal legislation relating to uniform securities administration. An Office of State Corporate Affairs was established as a sub-department within Crown Law Department on the same day. The Australian Securities Commission became responsible for administering and policing the Companies Code in Western Australia.

On 3 April 1991 the Corporate Affairs Department (Agency No. 79) was abolished and a new sub-department, the Office of State Corporate Affairs was created within the Crown Law Department. The Australian Securities Commission assumed responsibility for corporate registration and investigation. The Australian Securities Commission is responsible for administering and policing the Companies Code in Western Australia. The Office of State Corporate Affairs administers the Business Names Act and the Associations Act.