Under the McGowan Government, a series of Machinery of Government changes were made to the public sector creating a number of new amalgamated departments.

The following agencies were consolidated on 1 July 2017: the Department for Child Protection and Family Support; the Department of Housing (including Housing Authority); the Disability Services Commission; the communities function of the Department of Local Government and Communities; the Regional Services Reform Unit; and the regional coordination and engagement function of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

The Department of Communities is tasked with delivering services to families and communities in need, particularly in regional and remote areas.