Air Board
November 1920 – 9 February 1976
Board of senior air force officers, with a civilian finance member, that controlled and administered the Australian Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force from August 1921, until the reorganisation of defence higher command in 1976.
How it came into existence
Established as a permanent board in November 1920, following a temporary air board that first met in January 1920, under the oversight of an Air Council within the Department of Defence. Its first task was to create the Australian Air Force, formed on 31 March 1921 to replace the Army's Australian Air Corps.
- Administration of military aviation
- Control of military aviation (the Army's Australian Air Corps)
Military aviation had been under Army control; the Air Corps gave way to the Australian Air Force on 31 March 1921.
Legislation: Air Force Act 1923
Changes during its life
- 21 December 1921Continued under the reconstituted Department of Defence.
- 1923The Air Force Act 1923 gave the RAAF a separate statutory basis.
- 13 November 1939Moved to the new Department of Air.
- 30 November 1973Returned to the Department of Defence when the Department of Air was abolished in the amalgamation of the service departments.
How it ended
Abolished on 9 February 1976 by the Defence Force Re-organization Act 1975. Command of the RAAF passed to the Chief of the Air Staff, under the Chief of Defence Force Staff, and its administration to the Department of Defence.
- Administration of the Air Force
Abolished under the Defence Force Re-organization Act 1975; command passed to the Chief of the Air Staff and administration to the department.
Main functions
- Command and administration of the RAAF
- Air force policy and planning
- Air force personnel, training and equipment
- Air bases and works
- Advice to the Minister on air matters
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Defence.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.