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Territories & national capitalStatutory authority

Federal Capital Commission

FCC

1 January 1925 – May 1930

Statutory commission, led by Chief Commissioner Sir John Butters, that built and administered Canberra and the Federal Capital Territory, preparing the city for the opening of Parliament there in 1927.

How it came into existence

Constituted on 1 January 1925 under the Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1924, replacing the Federal Capital Advisory Committee. It took over the construction of Canberra from the Department of Works and Railways and the civic administration of the territory from the Department of Home and Territories.

Legislation: Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1924

Changes during its life

  1. 9 May 1927Provisional Parliament House, built under the Commission, was opened and Parliament moved to Canberra.
  2. 10 December 1928Responsibility passed from the Department of Home and Territories to the Department of Home Affairs.

How it ended

Abolished by the Scullin government under the Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1930, which took effect in May 1930. Administration of the territory returned to Commonwealth departments, chiefly the Department of Home Affairs, with works going to the Department of Works and Railways and an advisory council set up to advise the minister.

  • Functions transferred to Department of Home Affairs · May 1930
    • Civic administration of the Federal Capital Territory
  • Functions transferred to Department of Works and Railways · May 1930
    • Federal capital works

    On the abolition of the Federal Capital Commission, works in the Federal Capital Territory returned to the department.

Main functions

  • Construction of Canberra and its public buildings
  • Civic administration of the Federal Capital Territory
  • Land leasing and town planning
  • Provision of housing and municipal services
  • Preparations for the transfer of Parliament to Canberra

Where it sits

Last in the portfolio of Department of Home Affairs.

Lineage

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Sources

Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.