Commonwealth Prices Branch
Prices Branch · Commonwealth Prices Commissioner
1939 – 1948
Wartime organisation headed by the Commonwealth Prices Commissioner that fixed and controlled the prices of goods and services across Australia during and after the Second World War.
How it came into existence
Set up in 1939 under the National Security (Prices) Regulations made under the National Security Act 1939, with Professor D. B. Copland as the first Commonwealth Prices Commissioner, within the Trade and Customs portfolio and with deputy commissioners in each state.
- Wartime price control (Commonwealth Prices Commissioner)
Legislation: National Security Act 1939 (National Security (Prices) Regulations)
Changes during its life
- 1947Price control continued under the Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act 1946 after the National Security Act 1939 lapsed.
How it ended
Wound up in 1948 after the referendum of 29 May 1948 seeking a permanent Commonwealth power over rents and prices was defeated; price control passed to the states.
Main functions
- Fixing maximum prices of goods and services
- Investigation of costs and profit margins
- Enforcement of price orders
- Advice on wartime cost-of-living policy
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Trade and Customs.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.