Department of Transport
26 June 1941 – 16 March 1950
Wartime and post-war Department of State that co-ordinated road and rail transport, administered the Commonwealth Railways and pursued the standardisation of railway gauges.
How it came into existence
Created on 26 June 1941 by an Administrative Arrangements Order of the third Menzies ministry to co-ordinate road and rail transport for the war effort. It also took over the Commonwealth Railways, which had been administered in the Interior portfolio since 1932.
- Commonwealth Railways
Transfer of the Commonwealth Railways from the Interior portfolio in 1941 inferred, not confirmed from a source.
Changes during its life
- Co-ordination of road and rail transport for defence
How it ended
Merged with the Department of Shipping and Fuel on 16 March 1950 to form the Department of Fuel, Shipping and Transport.
- Commonwealth Railways
- Land transport co-ordination
- Railway standardisation
Main functions
- Co-ordination of road and rail transport for defence
- Commonwealth Railways
- Railway gauge standardisation (1946 agreement with New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia)
- Land transport policy
Bodies in this portfolio (1)
- Commonwealth Land Transport Board 1942–1946
Lineage
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Sources
Government records and websites
Other sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.