Department of Science and the Environment

{{Short description|Australian government department, 1978–1980}}

{{Infobox government agency

|agency_name = Department of Science and the Environment

|logo =

|logo_width = 200 px

|logo_caption =

|seal =

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|formed = 5 December 1978{{citation|title=CA 2749: Department of Science and the Environment, Central Office| url=https://RecordSearch.naa.gov.au/scripts/AutoSearch.asp?Number=CA+2749 |website= National Archives of Australia |access-date=9 February 2021}}

|preceding1 = Department of Environment, Housing and Community Development – for environment and conservation

Department of Science (II) – for science and technology, including research, support of research, and support of civil space programs; meteorology; ionospheric prediction service; analytical laboratory service; weights and measures

|dissolved = 3 November 1980

|superseding = Department of Home Affairs and Environment – for environment and conservation

Department of Science and Technology – for science and technology, meteorology, ionspheric production service, analytical laboratory service, weights and measures

|type = Department

|jurisdiction = Commonwealth of Australia

|employees =

|budget =

|minister1_name = James Webster

|minister1_pfo = Minister (1978–1979)

|minister2_name = David Thomson

|minister2_pfo = Minister (1979–1980)

| chief1_name = John Farrands

| chief1_position = Secretary

| headquarters = Canberra

}}

The Department of Science and the Environment was an Australian government department that existed between December 1978 and November 1980.

Scope

Information about the department's functions and government funding allocation could be found in the Administrative Arrangements Orders, the annual Portfolio Budget Statements and in the Department's annual reports.

According to the National Archives of Australia, at its creation, the Department was responsible for:

Science and technology, including research, support of research and support of civil space research programs
Environment and conservation
Meteorology
Ionospheric Prediction Service
Analytical laboratory Service
Weights and measures

Structure

The Department was an Australian Public Service department, staffed by officials who were responsible to the Minister for Science and the Environment.

The Department was headed by a Secretary, John Farrands.

References

Science and the Environment

Australia