Ministry for Economic Development

Full description

Establishment

The Ministry for Economic Development was established under the provisions of the Economic Development Act 1981 (No.9567) and was deemed to have been operative from March 1981. During the period 1981 to 1983 many changes were made in the administration of functions associated with economic and regional development and tourism. During the first half of 1981, the Ministry for Economic Development gradually assumed responsibility for functions previously administered by the Department of State Development, Decentralisation and Tourism (VA 2881), though this agency was not formally abolished until July 1981.

Thus for a brief period in 1981, prior to the establishment of the Ministry of Tourism II (VA 2879), the Ministry for Economic Development was responsible for all aspects of the promotion and development of tourism in Victoria.

Economic and Regional Development

The Ministry was primarily responsible for economic and regional development in Victoria with particular emphasis on decentralisation and industrial development. Its responsibility, as defined by the Act, was to facilitate, encourage and promote activities which would lead to:

the balanced economic development of the State
the development of industries and business undertakings throughout the State with particular regard to decentralised industries and business undertakings
the development of the export capacity of industry
the development of advanced technology industry

The Ministry conducted research to assist the development and establishment of export oriented and advanced technology industry and negotiated with statutory authorities to facilitate the provision of utility services required for industries and business undertakings.

The Ministry was also responsible for regional development including the promotion and development of industrial, commercial and other business undertakings and employment opportunities with particular emphasis on the Albury/Wodonga and Geelong regions.

The Ministry carried out these functions in conjunction with other authorities such as the Victorian Economic Development Corporation (VA 1109), the Small Business Development Corporation, the Albury-Wodonga (Victoria) Corporation and the Geelong Regional Commission (VA 426).

Tourism

For the brief period that the Ministry was responsible for tourism functions it reported to the Minister for Tourism II (VRG 89) in the administration of these duties and the positions of Minister for Economic Development and Minister for Tourism were held by the same person until December 1982.

The Ministry was empowered under the Act to facilitate encourage, promote and carry out, either separately or in conjunction with the Victorian Government Travel Authority (VA 2990), the development of the tourist industry throughout the State, including the promotion of the tourist industry.

Further research is required to fully document the nature of the relationship between these two agencies especially in the area of the promotion of the tourist industry.

NOTE: For a brief account of the administration of tourism between 1888 and 1987 see VRG 91 Tourism III.

Liquor Licensing

In 1983 the Minister for Economic Development assumed responsibility for the administration of liquor control and licensing from the Minister of Tourism (VRG 89). The major authority involved was the Liquor Control Commission (VA 1110).
NOTE: See VRG 82 Industry, Technology and Resources for more information about liquor licensing.

Abolition

In November 1983 responsibility for all functions previously administered by the Ministry for Economic Development was transferred to the Department of Industry, Commerce and Technology.

Location of Records

Some departmental records have been transferred. For records relating to liquor licensing, see VA 1110.

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