Commission of Inquiry into the Viability of the Christmas Island Phosphate Industry
Sweetland Commission · Commission of inquiry into the viability of the Christmas Island phosphate industry
20 December 1979 – 21 February 1980
Commonwealth commission of inquiry into whether phosphate mining on Christmas Island, the economic basis of the territory, could remain viable, ahead of the end of the British Phosphate Commissioners’ management of the industry.
How it came into existence
Appointed by the Fraser government in 1979; the Wikipedia list includes it among commissions appointed under the Royal Commissions Act 1902. A secondary source names it the Sweetland Commission after its commissioner. It was appointed on 20 December 1979; the commissioner’s full name was not found.
Legislation: Royal Commissions Act 1902
How it ended
Its report is catalogued as dated February 1980 and was published as a parliamentary paper. In July 1981 management of the mine passed from the British Phosphate Commissioners to the Commonwealth-owned Phosphate Mining Company of Christmas Island. The Parliamentary Handbook gives 21 February 1980 as the date the final report was presented.
Main functions
- Inquiry into the economic viability of phosphate mining on Christmas Island
- Consideration of future arrangements for the industry and its workforce
Lineage
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Sources
Government records and websites
Some dates or links for this organisation are uncertain. Corrections are welcome.