Industry, science & resourcesStatutory authority
Australian Aluminium Production Commission
1944 – 1960
Joint Commonwealth and Tasmanian commission that built and operated Australia's first aluminium smelter, at Bell Bay on the Tamar River in Tasmania.
How it came into existence
Established in 1944 under the Aluminium Industry Act 1944 and complementary Tasmanian legislation, giving effect to an agreement between the Commonwealth and Tasmania to create an aluminium industry using Tasmanian hydro-electric power. It had no Commonwealth predecessor.
Legislation: Aluminium Industry Act 1944
Changes during its life
- 1955The Bell Bay smelter began producing aluminium.
How it ended
Ceased when its Bell Bay undertaking was sold to Comalco around 1960, ending government ownership of the smelter.
Main functions
- Construction of the Bell Bay aluminium smelter
- Production of aluminium
- Securing bauxite and alumina supplies
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Supply.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are uncertain. Corrections are welcome.