Establishment and Functions

In 1883 a Department of Defence was created and a Council of Defence was established to direct and control the organisation of Victorian naval and military forces, including the volunteer forces which had first been established in 1854.

Together these forces were responsible for the defence of the Colony and in the event of an invasion or attack both volunteers and regular troops could be mobilized.

In 1887 an Australian Naval Force was established to provide additional protection for shipping in Australian waters. This force was jointly financed by the Imperial, New Zealand and six Colonial Governments.

In 1899 the first contingent of Victorian troops to undertake overseas duty departed for service in the Boer War.

With Federation in 1901, a Commonwealth Department of Defence assumed control of all Australian defence forces.

Location of Records

The Public Record Office does not hold records created by the Department. Some records are held by Australian Archives. The records of the Chief Secretary's Department (VA 475) and the Treasurer's Department (VA 865) may contain relevant information.

See List of Holdings 2nd edition 1985, section 3.16.5. (Chief Secretary's records) and 3.22.1 (Treasury records).