VPRS 10217 Minister's General Correspondence Files

Full description

This series constitutes the general correspondence of the Minister of Transport.

Until 1934 these files contain correspondence created and received by the Minister of Railways. This position, created in 1886, assumed responsibility for all railway matters including railway construction management, supervision and purchase of railway companies, power to regulate tolls and fares and the use and sale of property for railway purposes.

In 1888 the Minister of Railways became responsible for the development of tourist facilities associated with railway services. From 1911 to 1968 the Minister assumed responsibility for the State Coal Mine (VA 720) which had essentially been developed to meet the railways requirement for coal. Similarly the Minister became responsible for the development of the Newport Powerhouse from 1921-1951. Railway refreshment services, complimentary road motor passenger and goods services were also developed during the 1920s.

In 1934 these responsibilities were assumed by the new Minister of Transport. This appointment reflected a move toward greater coordination of transport related functions. Initially this approach was restricted to more extensive regulation and better coordination of commercial motor transport services and the management of the States railways.

In 1952 the coordination role was further developed by the provisions of the Transport Act (1951) which established a Ministry of Transport (VA 673) and extended the Ministers responsibilities to include the regulation of State owned tramway and bus services and some aspects of air transport regulation.

In 1973 the Minister of Transport became responsible for the Country Roads Board which had previously reported to the Minister for Local Government. Nine boxes of Local Government Department files relating to the Country Roads Board were transferred to the Minister of Transport and added to this series.