Northern Territory Administration
1 January 1911 – 1 February 1927
The Commonwealth's administration of the Northern Territory after its transfer from South Australia, headed from 1912 by an Administrator (first John Gilruth) in Darwin.
How it came into existence
Created on 1 January 1911, when the Northern Territory was transferred from South Australia to the Commonwealth under the Northern Territory Acceptance Act 1910 and the Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910. It took over the existing South Australian territory administration and had no Commonwealth predecessor.
Legislation: Northern Territory Acceptance Act 1910; Northern Territory (Administration) Act 1910
Changes during its life
- 1912John Gilruth took office as the first Administrator; he left after the Darwin Rebellion of 1918–19.
- 14 November 1916Responsibility for the Northern Territory passed from the Department of External Affairs to the new Department of Home and Territories.
How it ended
Divided on 1 February 1927, when the Northern Australia Act 1926 was proclaimed, into the separate administrations of North Australia and Central Australia, each under a Government Resident.
- Administration of the Northern Territory south of 20° S
- Administration of the Northern Territory north of 20° S
Main functions
- General administration of the Northern Territory
- Land settlement, pastoral leases and agriculture
- Aboriginal affairs through the Chief Protector of Aboriginals
- Public works, health and education in the territory
- Making of ordinances and territory regulations
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Home and Territories.
Lineage
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Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.