Victorian Dairy Industry Authority (formerly Victorian Milk Board 1932-1977)

Full description

Establishment and Function of Victorian Milk Board

Prior to 1932 the liquid milk supply to Melbourne and other city markets was apparently via individual licensed dairies operating independently. However, the Milk Board Act 1932 made provision for the appointment of a Board for the purpose of reporting and making recommendations as to the regulation of milk supplies to the metropolis. It was also charged with the promotion of a better and more economic collection, transport, treatment and distribution of milk including the regulation of the price paid to producers and the prices paid by consumers.

It is not clear whether this Board was ever officially constituted as the Act was repealed and replaced by the Milk Board Act 1933. The new Act provided for the constitution of a Board consisting of three members, one of whom, the chairperson, had to have an expert knowledge of the business. The new Board had similar powers and duties as the previous. It also regulated minimum prices to be paid to farmers, defined specific servicing areas for dairies, cancelled dairy licences and approved milk supply contracts.

In 1936 an amending Act gave the Board the power to set wholesale milk prices at depots.

The system of supervised purchasing by dairies from farmers continued until 1951 when a further amending Act altered the system in that the Board purchased the milk from farmers then re-sold it to the dairies for sale and distribution. This further strengthened the contract system and allowed the Board to maintain the price paid to farmers.

The Victorian Dairy Industry Authority

In 1977 the Board was replaced by the Victorian Dairy Industry Authority.

Its functions are to ensure that a sufficient supply of milk for human consumption and dairy produce of satisfactory standard is provided for all markets in Victoria and that all Victorian dairy farmers participate equitably in returns from the orderly marketing of such milk and dairy produce. It is also responsible for ensuring that milk production and manufacturing sectors of the Victorian Dairy Industry are integrated and rationalised and that national and export markets for Victorian milk and dairy products are developed to achieve optimum economy within the industry.

Location of Records

Some records are held at the Public Record Office (see below).