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Agriculture, fisheries & forestryStatutory authority

Australian Wool Testing Authority

AWTA

1957 – 1982

Commonwealth statutory authority that tested and certified wool, providing independent objective measurements such as yield and fibre diameter used in selling wool by sample.

How it came into existence

Established in 1957 as a Commonwealth statutory authority to provide independent testing and certification of wool. It had no Commonwealth predecessor.

Legislation: Australian Wool Testing Authority Act 1957

Changes during its life

  1. 12 June 1974Moved to the new Department of Agriculture.
  2. 22 December 1975Moved to the re-created Department of Primary Industry.

How it ended

Its assets and operations were transferred in 1982 to AWTA Ltd, a not-for-profit company owned by wool industry organisations, and the statutory authority ceased.

Main functions

  • Testing of wool for yield, fibre diameter and other characteristics
  • Issue of test certificates used in wool sales
  • Core sampling of wool bales
  • Development of wool testing standards

Where it sits

Last in the portfolio of Department of Primary Industry.

Lineage

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Sources

Some dates or links for this organisation are uncertain. Corrections are welcome.