Department of Information
12 September 1939 – 16 March 1950
Wartime Department of State responsible for official publicity and propaganda, civilian morale, censorship, overseas information services and shortwave broadcasting, and government news, photographic and film services.
How it came into existence
Established on 12 September 1939, soon after the outbreak of the Second World War, as a new department, with Sir Henry Gullett as the first Minister for Information and John Treloar, director of the Australian War Memorial, seconded as its first head.
Changes during its life
- Government documentary and promotional film production
- Official still photography
- News services and overseas publicity
How it ended
Abolished on 16 March 1950 after a Cabinet decision of 8 March 1950 fulfilling a Coalition election promise. The Australian News and Information Bureau and film production passed to the Department of the Interior, and Radio Australia to the Australian Broadcasting Commission.
- Overseas shortwave broadcasting (Radio Australia)
Radio Australia passed to the ABC when the Department of Information was abolished.
- Documentary film production (Film Division)
- Remaining government information and publicity work
- Australian News and Information Bureau
- Documentary film production
Main functions
- Official publicity and wartime propaganda
- Maintenance of civilian morale
- Wartime censorship
- Overseas shortwave broadcasting (Radio Australia)
- News and photographic services (Australian News and Information Bureau)
- Documentary film production (Film Division)
Bodies in this portfolio (1)
- Australian National Film Board 1945–1950
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.