The Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) was established in 1967 as a statutory body by the Commonwealth Government in accordance with the provisions of the Australian Tourist Commission Act of 1967 (Act No 27 of 1967, assented to 23 May 1967).

According to the Act the Commission was established "for the purpose of the encouragement of visits to Australia, and travel in Australia, by people from other countries". Furthermore, "the Commission has power ...to do things that are conducive to, or necessary or convenient to be done for, the carrying out of the purpose for which the Commission was established". ATC policies were to be determined by nine commissioners appointed by the Australian Government and consisting of representatives the Commonwealth and State Governments and the tourist industry.

The primary function of the Commission has been the "marketing overseas of Australia as a tourist destination", and to that end the Commission operates branch offices overseas in cities such as London, New York, Los Angeles,Tokyo etc. Between the years 1973-76 the ATC also developed programs aimed at persuading Australians to see more of their own country.

In 1976 as a result of a Commonwealth Government directive and an agreement drawn up with the Australian Standing Committee on Tourism (ASCOT), the Commission substantially withdrew from domestic promotion to concentrate its efforts on its overseas role - although from 1983-84 it continued to provide an "umbrella role" with the States/Territories co-ordinating the National Tourism Campaign (NTC).

As a result of a 1986-87 Australian Government Enquiry into tourism, the ATC underwent a major restructuring in order to "effectively capitalize on the continuing increase of tourists to Australia",and so that it could more effectively discharge its duties in marketing Australia overseas. Restructuring included:

. the moving of the Commissions Head Office from Melbourne to Sydney

. a major restructure of the organisation

. a change of name (now trading as Tourism Australia), logo and

colours, and

. the complete withdrawal of the ATC from the domestic tourism

market (ie relinquishing its "umbrella role") which was now to be

the exclusive provenance of the States.

Sources

1. Annual Report of the Department of Sport, Recreation and Tourism

1986-87, Parliamentary Papers No 439/1987

2. Annual Report of the Australian Tourist Commission 1986-87,

Parliamentary Papers No 337/1987

by1968-by1969: 18 Collins Street, Melbourne

by1969- 1987: St Kilda Road, Melbourne

1987- : Level 3, 80 William Street, Sydney

Commonwealth of Australia Act No.27 of 1967,Australia Tourist Commission Act 1967