Appointment

In 1985 the Minister for Industry, Technology and Resources assumed responsibility for many functions previously under the control of the Minister for Minerals and Energy (VRG 47) and the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Technology (VRG 77).

Minerals and Energy Resources

Functional responsibilities in this area included the:

production and distribution of fuel and power through the major statutory authorities, including the Coal Corporation of Victoria, the Gas and Fuel Corporation (VA 1040), and State Electricity Commission (VA 1002) and the regulation of industry

investigation of the State's geological structure, mineral wealth and groundwater resources through the Geological Survey

provision of financial assistance to the mining industry and of technical and scientific services and advice to industry, the Environment Protection Authority and the Land Conservation Council study groups

regulation of mining and extractive industries including the safe working of mines, quarries, pipelines and on and off shore petroleum installations

exploration and development of brown coal, oil, natural gas, hydro-electricity and solar energy resources

planning for the possible introduction of nuclear energy.

Economic, Regional, Trade and Industry Development:

Responsibilities in this area relate to the development of industry and business in Victoria and the promotion of overseas trade, including:

the development of export oriented and advanced technology industry

the promotion of commerce and small business (e.g. through the Small Business Development Corporation and Victorian Business Centre network)

encouraging overseas and interstate investment in Victoria

marketing Victorian primary products, manufactured goods and tertiary services interstate and overseas

co-ordinating and facilitating large investment projects major state projects and growth centres (for example through the activities of the Victorian Economic Development Corporation until 1988).

In 1988 the Victorian Economic Development Corporation (VA 1109), operating under the direction of the Minister for Industry, Technology and Resources, was wound down and its assets and liabilities were transferred to the newly established Rural Finance Commission (VA 2985) under the control of the Treasurer (VRG 23).

Regional development is also sponsored through the promotion and development of industrial, commercial and other business undertakings and employment opportunities with particular emphasis on the Albury/Wodonga, Geelong, Portland and Latrobe Regions. The Minister is responsible for the Albury-Wodonga (Victoria) Corporation, the Victorian participant in Commonwealth-New South Wales-Victoria joint venture in the region, the Geelong Regional Commission (VA 426) and the Latrobe Regional Commission.

Tourism

The tourism function is concerned with:

promotion of tourism

development of tourist facilities including the acquisition of property and the provision of financial assistance to individuals, government and non-government agencies

provision of information and travel services

management of the state owned tourist facilities from 1987.

The major authority operating in this area is the Victorian Tourism Commission (VA 2871).

In 1987 responsibility for Tourism was transferred to newly appointed the Minister for Tourism (VRG 91).

Liquor Licensing

Prior to 1968 the administration and regulation of the liquor industry was a judicial function vested in a separately constituted licensing court (See VA 2905). However in 1968 the Liquor Control Act (No.7695) came into operation as a result of the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Sale, Supply, Disposal or Consumption of Liquor in Victoria.

The Act established a new administrative body, the Liquor Control Commission (VA 1110) which was to have complete authority over all aspects of liquor licensing and control. This marked the end of the system of licensing Magistrates and Licensing Courts which had operated for over 100 years. (For a brief history of liquor licensing prior to 1968 see VRG 4 Courts.)

One of the primary objects of the Act and the new Commission, was to remove the "Procrustean bed of judicial proceedings" as was termed the former system of licensing administration in the report of the Royal Commission. It was hoped the Commission, without a judicial constitution and procedures, would be able to achieve a simpler, more effective method of control over the liquor industry.

The new Act was also to ensure the orderly and continuous improvement in, and the development of, facilities for the supply of accommodation, meals and liquor to the public. The Commission was responsible for establishing standards in these areas and ensuring that they were met. It also had the authority to issue or cancel licences, and a new power, to suspend a licence for a period of time.

The Licensing Court of three members was replaced by the Liquor Control Commission of four members, the chairman being a County Court Judge with a tenure of 7 years. This practice was discontinued in 1976 as a result of the Liquor Control (Chairman) Act 1975, enacted on 18 November 1975 and proclaimed on 4 December 1975. The change meant that the Chairman could be a 'judicial member' and could retain office until the age of 72 years.

Numerous alterations were made in the licensing law and practice of the State, the new Act completely re-writing the law.

From 1968 to 1988 when the Commission was replaced by the Liquor Licensing Commission (VA 2869) several new types of licences were introduced but the system of registration of licensing remained basically the same. In October 1986 Dr J.P. Nieuwenhuysen undertook a comprehensive review which concluded that licensing practice in Victoria was restrictive and outdated and did not meet the demands imposed by recent social changes.

Three basic changes in liquor policy were suggested including greater use of instruments outside and within licensing legislation, especially tailored to counter problems of alcohol misuse; a less economically and otherwise intrusive and overlapping licensing Act, with greater flexibility for the business of licence holders; and administrative reform of liquor licensing, with a clear separation of judicial and administrative functions.

The Government reacted by legislating to effect certain changes to licensing operations and the new Commission came into effect on 3 May 1988 under the provisions of the Liquor Control Act 1987.

The Liquor Licensing Commission (VA 2869) came into operation as the successor to the Liquor Control Commission on 3 May 1988. Unlike the previous agency it was not a quasi-judicial body but represented a less formal approach to the control of the sale, supply, and consumption of liquor.

Since 1968 ministerial responsibility for the liquor licensing function has changed quite frequently. Researchers seeking records for this period should check:

VRG 26 Chief Secretary for 1968-1979
VRG 42 Labour and Industry for 1979-1982
VRG 89 Tourism II for 1982-1982
VRG 71 Economic Development 1982-1983
VRG 77 Industry, Commerce and Technology 1983-1985
VRG 82 Industry, Technology and Resources 1985-ct.

Location of Records

Some records, including those of the department and liquor licensing agencies are in Public Record Office custody.

See also List of Holdings 2nd edition 1985, section 3.13.0.

Minister

Minister of Industry, Technology and Resources 1985 - 1990