Department of Industry, Commerce and Technology

Full description

Establishment and Functions

The Department of Industry, Commerce and Technology was established in 1983 following the abolition of the Ministry for Economic Development (VA 2880). The change reflected the Government's desire to place greater emphasis on the development of manufacturing and the promotion of high technology industries.

The prime functions of the Department were:

economic development including decentralisation, development of expert orientated industry, advanced technology and the promotion of commerce and small business, encouraging overseas and interstate investment in Victoria, marketing of Victorian primary products, manufactured goods and tertiary services, and the co-ordination of major State projects and large investment projects.

regional development including the promotion and development of industrial, commercial and other business undertakings and employment opportunities with particular emphasis on the Albury/Wodonga, Geelong, Portland and Latrobe regions.

The Department also liaised with major statutory authorities in the Industry, Commence and Technology portfolio, including the Liquor Licensing Commission (VA 1110), the Victorian Tourism Commission (VA 2871), from 1985 the Agent General and Trade Commissioner, and the Victorian Economic Development Corporation (VA 1109).

Abolition

In 1985 the Department of Industry, Technology and Resources (VA 2661) assumed responsibility for these functions.

Location of Records

Some records have been transferred to the Public Record Office. There are also earlier records of the function in custody.

See also List of Holdings 2nd edition 1985, section 3.13.4.