Department of Supply and Development
6 April 1948 – 16 March 1950
Renamed Department of Supply in 1950.
Department of State responsible for defence supply, the government munitions and aircraft factories, defence research including the long-range weapons project, and mineral resources.
Names over time
- Department of Supply and Development1948–1950
- Department of Supply1950–1974
How it came into existence
Formed on 6 April 1948 by Administrative Arrangements Order, combining the Department of Munitions with the supply, disposals and mineral resources functions of the Department of Supply and Shipping. Senator J. I. Armstrong was minister.
- Munitions and aircraft production
- Government factories
- Long-range weapons project
- Defence supply and procurement
- Disposals
- Mineral resources (Bureau of Mineral Resources)
Changes during its life
- Secret defence research
- Disposal of surplus Commonwealth property
- Defence research laboratories and establishments
How it ended
Abolished on 16 March 1950 by the Menzies government. Its defence supply, production and research functions continued in the Department of Supply, and mineral resources and geology passed to the new Department of National Development.
- Mineral resources and geology
- Bureau of Mineral Resources
- Defence supply and procurement
- Defence research and development
- Government factories
Main functions
- Procurement of defence stores and equipment
- Government munitions and aircraft factories
- Defence research and development, including the Long Range Weapons Establishment and Woomera range
- Disposal of surplus Commonwealth property
- Mineral resources and geology (Bureau of Mineral Resources)
- Stockpiling of strategic materials
Bodies in this portfolio (1)
- Commonwealth Disposals Commission 1944–1949
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.