The Department of Community Services existed under this name for a very short time, from January to September 1977. This interim Department existed while Commonwealth functions were gradually being transferred to the Northern Territory Government in preparation for self government. The Department of Community Services was responsible for social welfare during this time. This Department…
The Community Welfare Section of the Department of the Northern Territory took over social welfare functions from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in 1974. The work of this section was taken over by the Department of Community Services in 1977 when, in preparation for self government, some of the functions of the Commonwealth were passed…
The Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs was created on 19 December 1972. The work of the Welfare Division was absorbed by this Department from 1972 until 1974. In 1974 the social welfare function was transferred to the Department of the Northern Territory I.
The Welfare Division was created in 1970 when the Welfare Branch of the Northern Territory Administration was upgraded. The Welfare Division existed under this title for only two years. In December 1972 its functions were divided between three Commonwealth departments – the new Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the existing Departments of Health and Education….
The Department of Public Health was created in 1916 when the Government Medical Officer was also appointed as the Acting Chief Health Officer. This appointment brought the medical department (responsible for Births, Deaths, and Marriage registration, and sometimes acting as Protector of Aborigines), and the Health Office (responsible for public health administration) together to form…
The Welfare Branch replaced the Native Affairs Branch in 1953. This occurred as a result of the passing of the Welfare Ordinance 1953 which created the position of Director of Welfare. Under the Welfare Ordinance, the Director of the Welfare Branch became the legal guardian of all ‘wards’, a term used in that legislation to…
The Medical Services, Health and Aboriginals Branch was the new name given to the Health and Aboriginals Branch of the Northern Territory Administration in 1931. This Branch continued until 1939 when it was replaced by the Native Affairs Branch. This change resulted from the passing of the Aboriginals Ordinance in that year.
The Child Welfare Advisory Council replaced the State Children’s Council in 1959. With the passing of the Northern Territory Child Welfare Ordinance 1958, the South Australian State Children Act was repealed and a new Welfare Branch took over responsibility for the welfare of children. As part of these changes, the Child Welfare Advisory Council was…
The Health and Aboriginals Branch took over administrative responsibility for these areas from the Northern Territory Aboriginals Department and the Department of Public Health. The Chief Protector of Aboriginals at this time, Cecil Cook, also held the position of Chief Medical Officer.
The State Children’s Council for the Northern Territory was established in 1930 under the provisions of the South Australian State Children Act 1895. The Council was responsible for the welfare of children placed under its care and control. During the Second World War, when the Northern Territory Administration was evacuated from the Territory, the Council…
Dec 18, 2024
Nov 15, 2024
