Department of Industry, Technology and Resources

Full description

Establishment

In 1985 the Department of Industry, Technology and Resources assumed responsibility for many functions previously under the control of the Department of Minerals and Energy (VA 611) and the Department of Industry, Commerce and Technology (VA 1393).

Minerals and Energy Resources

The Department's main responsibility in relation to the State's minerals and energy resources including brown coal, natural gas, oil, hydro-electricity and solar energy is to develop Government policy on their development and use. It is also responsible for planning for the possible introduction of nuclear energy. The Department plays a co-ordinating role in relation to the activities of the large fuel and power statutory authorities, the State Electricity Commission (VA 1002), Gas and Fuel Corporation (VA 1040) and the Coal Corporation of Victoria, and oil and gas companies. It also regulates the mining, extractive, fuel and power industries and provides technical and scientific advisory services. The Department is responsible for the State's geological survey which investigates Victoria's geological structure, mineral wealth and underground water resources, and also for regulating the use of groundwater resources and the dumping of toxic waste. It licenses mining and extractive activity and supervises the safeworking of mines, quarries, pipelines, on and off-shore oil and petroleum installations, and related equipment.

Economic, Regional, Trade and Industry Development

Responsibilities in this area relate to the development of industry and business in Victoria and the promotion of trade, including the:

development of export orientated and advanced technology industry
promotion of commerce and small business
encouragement of overseas and interstate investment in Victoria
marketing of Victorian primary products, manufactured goods and tertiary services interstate and overseas
co-ordination and facilitation of large investment projects major state projects and growth centres.

Regional development is also sponsored through 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 has responsibility for regulating retailing hours and fuel prices.

A number of statutory authorities also operate in the Industry, Technology and Resources portfolio in this area, including the Small Business Development Corporation, Victorian Economic Development Corporation (until 1988 -see VA 1109), Albury-Wodonga (Victoria) Corporation, the Geelong Regional Commission (VA 426) and the Latrobe Regional Commission.

Tourism and Liquor Licensing

The Department has also played a liaison role in relation to the Liquor Control Commission (VA 1110), from 1988 the Liquor Licensing Commission (VA 2869), and the Victorian Tourism Commission until 1988 when it was transferred to the new Tourism portfolio (VRG 91).

Location of Records

Some records are in Public Record Office custody. For earlier records, see also List of Holdings 2nd edition 1985, section 3.13.0.