Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce
DITAC
13 December 1984 – 24 March 1993
Previously Department of Industry and Commerce (1982–1984). Renamed Department of Industry, Technology and Regional Development in 1993.
Department of State responsible for manufacturing industry development and assistance, technology and industrial research and development, customs and excise, and, from 1987, science and the CSIRO.
Names over time
- Department of Industry and Commerce1982–1984
- Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce1984–1993
- Department of Industry, Technology and Regional Development1993–1994
- Department of Industry, Science and Technology1994–1996
How it came into existence
Created by the Administrative Arrangements Order of 13 December 1984 from the Department of Industry and Commerce, which it replaced, together with the technology functions of the Department of Science and Technology. John Button was its minister throughout. On 24 July 1987 it also took over science policy and the science agencies of the abolished Department of Science.
- Manufacturing industry
- Commerce
- Customs and excise
- Technology
- Industrial research and development
- Productivity promotion
Changes during its life
- Science policy
- CSIRO
- Commonwealth science agencies
- Building industry programs
Inferred: housing industry programs were transferred from this department to the Department of Health, Housing and Community Services in June 1991, and the building industry function had been with the Department of Housing and Construction until its abolition in July 1987.
- Customs and excise administration
- Border control of goods and travellers
- Space industry policy and programs
- Housing industry programs
How it ended
Became the Department of Industry, Technology and Regional Development on 24 March 1993, when regional development was added to its responsibilities. Its housing industry programs had already passed to the Department of Health, Housing and Community Services in June 1991.
- Industry
- Technology
- Commerce
Main functions
- Manufacturing and secondary industry development and assistance
- Technology and industrial research and development
- Customs and excise, through the Australian Customs Service
- Small business
- Science policy and the CSIRO (from 1987)
- Commerce and industry policy
Bodies in this portfolio (5)
- Patent Office 1904–1992
- Australian Industrial Research and Development Incentives Board 1976–1986
- Steel Industry Authority 1983–1988
- Management and Investment Companies Licensing Board 1984–1992
- Commission for the Future 1985–1998
Lineage
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Sources
Primary sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.