End of the line for Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport

With Prime Minister Tony Abbott now sworn in, a series of changes in Federal Government departments, in line with Ministerial appointments and responsibilities, have now been actioned.

The Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport now no longer exists, with its portfolios being absorbed into new departments.

Sports policies and programs will come under the charge of the new Health and Sport Minister, Peter Dutton, who will also take responsibility for the National Mental Health Commission.

Regional development, including local government and territories, will move to the Department of Infrastructure.

Arts will move to the Attorney-General's portfolio, with the appointment of George Brandis as both Attorney-General and Minister for the Arts.

Resources, energy and domestic tourism will come under the responsibility of the Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane and there will no longer be a separate Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.

Education and employment have also been split into two separate departments.