The origin of the Division of Industrial Development lies in the Secondary Industries Division of the Department of Post-War
Reconstruction. The name was changed to Division of Industrial Development at the beginning of 1948. It operated on a temporary basis until August 1948. When it was established as a permanent
organization.
 
The functions of the Division were as follows:

 1. To negotiate for, and advance industrial development of
    importance  to the Commonwealth
 
 2. To exercise commonwealth responsibilities in respect of the 
    national policy of decentralization of secondary industries.  

 3. Generally to promote efficiency in industry and encourage the 
    application of technological research.
 
4. To encourage the development of Institutes of Technology to take 
   over appropriate functions of the Division in the field of
   industrial techniques.
 
5. To undertake for publication continuing studies of the structure 
   and operation of Australian manufacturing industries.
 
The Central Office of the Division had four main branches as well as an Administrative Branch) as follows:
 
 1. Industries Branch - responsible for investigation and reviews of 
    the structure and operation of manufacturing industry.
 
 2. Research and Information Branch - responsible for collection, 
    tabulation and interpretation of information obtained by the 
    Division; economic review of manufacturing development; public 
    relations and publications.
 
 3. Development Branch - dealing with new developmental projects,
    with raw material supply problems and generally with
    encouragement of decentralised development.
 
 4. Technology and Management Branch - encouraged the study and 
    application of technological development, technical advice to 
    industry and recruitment of overseas scientists and technicions.  
The Central Office of the Division was established in Melbourne with other smaller offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and London, and with representation in Perth, Hobart and Washington. As on May 1951, the approved establishment was approximately 377 positions, with the Director being Mr B W Hartnell. By 1953 the Director was Mr C V Gray.
 
 The newly established Department of Trade (CA 64) took over the functions of the Division of Industrial Development in 1956.

Wentworth House, 203 Collins St, Melbourne

Agency controlled unregistered

Division of Industrial Development, Western Australia, by 1950
Division of Industrial Development, Tasmania, by 1950
Division of Industrial Development, London Branch
Division of Industrial Development, USA Branch