Department of Science and Technology
3 November 1980 – 13 December 1984
Previously Department of Science and the Environment (1978–1980). Renamed Department of Science in 1984.
Department of State responsible for science and technology policy, Commonwealth scientific agencies such as CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology, Antarctic matters, industrial research and development incentives, productivity promotion and industrial property.
Names over time
- Department of Science1975–1978
- Department of Science and the Environment1978–1980
- Department of Science and Technology1980–1984
- Department of Science1984–1987
How it came into existence
Created by the Administrative Arrangements Order of 3 November 1980, combining the science functions of the Department of Science and the Environment with the technology, productivity promotion and industrial research and development functions of the abolished Department of Productivity. David Thomson was the first Minister for Science and Technology, followed by Barry Jones under the Hawke government.
- Science policy and scientific agencies
- Meteorology
- Antarctic research
- Technology and productivity promotion
- Industrial research and development incentives
- Patents, trade marks and designs (Patent Office)
How it ended
Renamed the Department of Science on 13 December 1984, when its technology and industrial research and development functions moved to the new Department of Industry, Technology and Commerce.
- Technology
- Industrial research and development
- Productivity promotion
- Science policy
- CSIRO
- Meteorology
- Antarctic research
Main functions
- Science and technology policy
- Support for CSIRO and other scientific agencies
- Meteorology (Bureau of Meteorology)
- Antarctic research and the Australian Antarctic Territory
- Industrial research and development incentives (Australian Industrial Research and Development Incentives Board)
- Productivity promotion and technological change
- Patents, trade marks and designs (Patent Office)
Bodies in this portfolio (1)
- Metric Conversion Board 1970–1981
Lineage
Loading lineage…
Sources
Primary sources
- Administrative Arrangements Order of 11 March 1983 (sets it out)
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.