Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration, from 1892, Commissioner of Crown Lands, from 1882-1930, also Commissioner of Forest Lands (GA7)

Pursuant to proclamation of the Constitution Act No. 2 of 1855-56 on 24 October 1856 Charles Bonney was appointed Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration (1). Prior to responsible government Bonney had occupied the position of Commissioner for Crown Lands (2).

The newly created Crown Lands and Immigration portfolio contained the following departments:- Survey and Land, Immigration, Aborigines, and Inspectors of Sheep (3). In 1868 the Commissioner became responsible for administration of the Northern Territory (4). Following election of the Holder Ministry in June 1892, the title of the portfolio changed to that of Commissioner of Crown Lands (5).

FUNCTIONS: Fisheries, Aboriginal Affairs, Agriculture, Public Cemeteries, Fauna Conservation, Environment, Exploration, Land Survey, Forests, Immigration, Crown Lands, Land Settlement, Mineral Resources, Mines, Naturalisation, Northern Territory, Dairy Industry, Meat Industry, Wool Industry, Pest Management, Quarantine, Water Resources, Land Resources.

Form 1882 - 1930 the Commissioner of Crown Lands was also the Commissioner of Forest Lands.

REFERENCES:

(1) - (3) Blue Book for the year 1856 p.198.
(4) GRG 24/6/1870/1145.
(5) Blue Book for the year 1892 p.15.