The Department of the Arts held responsibility to co-ordinate and review the major cultural institutions, incorporating the Censorship Office and absorbing the activites of the Western Australian Arts Council. The Department was also charged with the responsibility of ensuring artistic and financial evalution and accountability from receipts of arts grants. The Department's primary role was therefore to:

• advise the State Government on arts policy and cultural development;

• liaise with the appropriate Commonwealth and State Departments, Local Government and the private sector;

• liaise with all sectors within the arts portfolio including Museums, Galleries, Libraries, Trusts and major arts organisations;

• support and promote the arts through programs of direct assistance.