Commission for the Future
1985 – 1998
Commonwealth-funded company that promoted public awareness and debate about science and technology and their effects on Australia's future, including through public programmes such as the Greenhouse Project run with CSIRO in 1987–1988.
How it came into existence
Set up in early 1985 on the initiative of Barry Jones, Minister for Science, as a Commonwealth-funded company in the science portfolio, with broadcaster Phillip Adams as its first chair; some accounts date its creation to late 1984.
Changes during its life
- 24 July 1987Moved with the science functions from the Department of Science portfolio to the Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce portfolio.
How it ended
Endured steadily shrinking budgets and lost its Commonwealth funding in the 1990s; it was wound up in 1998. Whether it ceased to be a Commonwealth body earlier, for example when its government funding ended in about 1993, is not confirmed.
Main functions
- Promotion of public debate on science, technology and the future
- Futures studies and public education programmes
- Greenhouse Project on climate change, with CSIRO
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce.
Lineage
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Sources
Other sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are uncertain. Corrections are welcome.