The functions of the department were broadly classified into the following matters:[3][6]
Energy policy
Mineral and energy industries, including oil and gas, and electricity
National energy market
Energy-specific international organisations and activities
Administration of export controls on rough diamonds, uranium and thorium
Minerals and energy resources research, science and technology
Tourism industry
Geoscience research and information services including geodesy, mapping, remote sensing and land information co-ordination
Radioactive waste management
Renewable energy technology development
Clean fossil fuel energy
Industrial energy efficiency
energy sources
-fossil fuels
Structure
The Department was an Australian Public Service department, staffed by officials who were responsible to the Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism.