The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) was established in 2002. It was formed from the split of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (1996–2002) which was divided into two separate entities: The Department of Sustainability and Environment and The Department of Primary Industries. The department worked with energy companies, research partners, primary producers, mineral explorers and rural communities across Victoria, as well as other State and Federal Government departments, to address the major and emerging challenges in sustainability and productivity. DPI's core services included policy development; regulation and compliance; science, research and development; and sustainable practice change.