Department of War Organisation of Industry
26 June 1941 – 19 February 1945
Wartime Department of State that reorganised civilian industry for total war, restricting non-essential production, trade and consumption so that labour and materials could be diverted to the war effort.
How it came into existence
Created on 26 June 1941 by an Administrative Arrangements Order of the third Menzies ministry, with Eric Spooner as minister; John Dedman held the portfolio in the Curtin government from 7 October 1941. It was a new department rather than a transfer of existing functions.
How it ended
Wound up in February 1945: Dedman, who had become Minister for Post-War Reconstruction on 2 February 1945, ceased to be Minister for War Organisation of Industry on 19 February 1945 when that office was abolished, and the department's remaining functions were taken over by the Department of Post-War Reconstruction.
- Remaining organisation-of-industry controls
- Planning the transition of industry to peacetime
Main functions
- Organisation of industry for war production
- Restriction of non-essential manufacturing and trade
- Austerity measures and standardised civilian goods (the 'Victory suit')
- Rationalisation of distribution and services
- Planning the transition of industry to peacetime
Lineage
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Sources
Government records and websites
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.