Department of Science (1975–1978)
Australian government department, 1975–1978
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Department of Science was an Australian government department that existed between December 1975 and December 1978. It was the second so-named Australian government department.
- Department of Minerals and Energy – mineral and solar energy research
Department of Science and Consumer Affairs – for science
| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 22 December 1975[1] |
Preceding Department |
|
| Dissolved | 5 December 1978[1] |
Superseding Department | |
| Jurisdiction | Commonwealth of Australia |
| Headquarters | |
Minister responsible |
|
Department executives |
|
Scope
Information about the department's functions and government funding allocation could be found in the Administrative Arrangements Orders, the annual Portfolio Budget Statements and in the department's annual reports.
According to the National Archives of Australia, at its creation, the department was responsible for:[1]
- Science and technology, including research, support of research and support of civil space programs
- Meteorology
- Ionospheric Prediction Service
- Analytical laboratory service
- Weights and measures
Structure
The department was an Australian Public Service department, staffed by officials who were responsible to the Minister for Science, James Webster.[1]
The department was headed by a Secretary, initially Hugh Ennor (until October 1977) and then John Farrands.[1][2]
Controversy
In December 1975, a task force of the Royal Commission on Australian Government accused the department of questionable logic, misinterpretation of facts and faulty data.[3]
