Commonwealth Liquid Fuel Control Board
Liquid Fuel Control Board
1940 – 1950
Wartime and post-war Commonwealth board, based in Melbourne, that controlled the supply and distribution of petrol and other liquid fuels and administered petrol rationing, issuing motor spirit ration tickets through state Liquid Fuel Boards acting as its agents.
How it came into existence
Constituted under the National Security (Liquid Fuel) Regulations made under the National Security Act 1939, within the Department of Supply and Development, to control liquid fuel supplies; petrol rationing began on 1 October 1940 and was tightened in 1941 and 1942. The start year of 1940 is an estimate resting on the introduction of rationing under those regulations; the exact date the board was constituted is not confirmed. Rationing was administered in each state by a state Liquid Fuel Board acting as agent for the Commonwealth. The function was new.
Legislation: National Security Act 1939 (National Security (Liquid Fuel) Regulations); Liquid Fuel (Rationing) Act 1949
Changes during its life
- 17 October 1942Moved with liquid fuel control to the Department of Supply and Shipping when the Department of Supply and Development was renamed and expanded.
- 6 April 1948Moved to the new Department of Shipping and Fuel.
- June 1949The High Court held the National Security (Liquid Fuel) Regulations invalid; the Liquid Fuel (Rationing) Act 1949, assented to on 28 October 1949, provided a new basis for rationing.
How it ended
Wound up after petrol rationing ended in February 1950. In June 1949 the High Court held the National Security (Liquid Fuel) Regulations invalid, ending coupon rationing under them; Parliament then passed the Liquid Fuel (Rationing) Act 1949 to continue rationing as far as Commonwealth power allowed, and the new Menzies government abolished rationing in February 1950. The end year is an estimate resting on the end of rationing; the date the board itself ceased is not confirmed.
Main functions
- Control of liquid fuel supplies and distribution
- Petrol rationing and issue of ration tickets
- Allocation of fuel to essential users
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Shipping and Fuel.
Lineage
Loading lineage…
Sources
Government records and websites
Some dates or links for this organisation are uncertain. Corrections are welcome.