Full description Background In 1972 a Minister for Youth, Sport and Recreation was appointed and acquired responsibility from the Chief Secretary (VRG 26) for functions relating to these three areas as well as racing and gaming. This appointment reflected increased central government interest in these matters, particularly sport and recreation, which had previously been largely the concern of municipalities and non-government agencies. The Minister administered the Racing Act 1958 and the Youth, Sport and Recreation Act 1972. The function from 1972 included promoting the fitness and general health of Victorians; training programmes for recreational workers, sports officials and coaches; providing advice and financial assistance to state wide recreation and sporting organisations; assisting municipalities and community groups to provide facilities for sport and recreation; regulation of professional boxing through the Professional Boxing Control Board; and providing support for the Sport and Recreation Council and subsequently for the State Sports Council and the Community Recreation Council.
Data time period: 1836 to 2013