Commission of Inquiry into the Australian Post Office
Australian Post Office Commission of Inquiry · Vernon Commission
22 February 1973 – 19 April 1974
Commission of inquiry chaired by Sir James Vernon into the organisation, administration and operations of the Postmaster-General's Department's postal and telecommunications services.
How it came into existence
Established on 22 February 1973 by the Whitlam government, with Sir James Vernon as chairman and B. J. Callinan and J. J. Kennedy as commissioners. The Prime Minister referred to its members as Royal Commissioners, and it reported to the Governor-General. It was to report on what changes should be made in the organisation, administration and operations of postal and telecommunications services.
How it ended
Its report was tendered to the Governor-General on Friday 19 April 1974 (announced on 24 April 1974; another source gives 23 July 1974 for its presentation). The Government accepted its main recommendations: the Post Office was freed from Public Service Board control and replaced on 1 July 1975 by two statutory corporations, the Australian Postal Commission and the Australian Telecommunications Commission.
Main functions
- Organisation and administration of postal and telecommunications services
- Relationship of the Post Office with the Public Service Board
Lineage
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Sources
Government records and websites
- Parliamentary Handbook: Royal Commissions (Parliament of Australia)
- PM Transcripts: Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Post Office and appointment of a Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service, 24 April 1974
- Australia Post Times: notes (Australian Screen Online)
- Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Australian Post Office (National Library of Australia)
Other sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.