A new super ministry will be created to manage national security and be overseen by Peter Dutton, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced.
The change is part of the most significant reform to national intelligence and domestic security arrangements in more than 40 years.
"When it comes to our nation's security, we must stay ahead of the threats against us," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.
The new Home Affairs portfolio would be similar to the UK's Home Office arrangement, but not the Department of Homeland Security in the US.
Each agency under the new umbrella will retain their statutory independence, Mr Turnbull said.
They include domestic spy agency ASIO, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Border Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
Now Immigration Minister Peter Dutton will oversee the new portfolio and be assisted by Attorney-General George Brandis and Justice Minister Michael Keenan
