Final decisions announced in DIA restructure process

28 August 2025

The final decisions for the second and last phase of the restructure process at the Department of Internal Affairs were announced today by the Secretary for Internal Affairs Paul James and the Department’s Deputy Secretaries.

"It has been just over a year since the start of this change process. Over this time, we have undertaken two phases of consultation on proposed structural changes and, most recently, a reconsultation process,” Paul James says.

“The savings target of $12 million per annum for all stages of the process has been achieved and we are putting in place a new structure that is more functionally aligned. This new structure will help us navigate future fiscal constraints and meet increased expectations around efficiency and performance.”

This announcement follows the first phase of organisational change, introduced last year.

“I know that this change process has been challenging for our people, so I want to acknowledge their continued dedication to their work and the resilience they’ve shown over the past year,” Paul James says.

This final stage of the Department’s change process, aimed at increasing efficiency and reducing costs, is delivering approximately $8 million in savings. It will disestablish 165 positions and create 105 new roles, resulting in a net reduction of 60 established positions, equivalent to 2% of the Department’s total workforce. 66 temporary roles are also closing.

The Department’s new structure is expected to be in place by 1 December 2025.

“Our transition to the new structure will mark the conclusion of the Department’s change process. Our focus now turns to implementing these changes, embracing our new ways of working and supporting each other to continue delivering for the people, communities and Ministers we serve. Once this process is finished, I am not expecting further organisational change of this scale,” Paul James says.