A Cabinet Decison in January 1975 forecast the formation of the Interim Australian Science and Technology Council.
 
The then Minister for Science, the Hon W Morrison, announced the membership of the Australian Science and Technology Council on 18 May 1975. (Only 11 out of 12 members were announced). However, the Council was initially set up as an interim body pending legislation to establish it as a statutory body.  Draft legislation was prepared but had not been approved before the change of Government in
November 1975.
 
The function of the Council was to advise the government on the role of science and technology. The Council's advice on any matter, whether tendered at the Government's request or on its own initiative, was considered by a ministerial committee under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister or his nominee.
 
In the Commonwealth Government Directory 1977 (p.221), the functions of the Interim Australian Science and Technology Council (CA 2074) were quoted as :
 
 "The Interim Council advises the Government on science and
 technology matters within its administration, and on the relations
 between the Government, universities and industry.  It was
 reconstituted in April 1976 to report to the Prime Minister on the
 role and structure of a permanent Science and Technology Council."
 
The position of chairman was expected to be a full-time appointment for a term of up to five years.  Other members would serve part-time for terms of up to two years.  The members announced were:-
 
   Dr I.A.L. Matheson; (Chairman)
   Professor S. Encel;
   Professor S.F. Harris;
   Mr I.A. Newstead;
   Professor G.J.V. Nossal;
   Professor J.A. Passmore;
   Mr P.I. Rosenbloom;
   Professor R.O. Slatyer;
   Mr K.C. Stone;
   Professor R. Street;
   Dr D.A.J. Swinkels.
 
On 9 February 1976, the Prime Minister announced that an Advisory Group had been formed to report to him on the role of and terms of reference for a Science and Technology Council.  As a result of this report, the Interim Australian Science and Technology Council was formed [reconstituted] on 29 April 1976, with the principal charter of reporting to the Prime Minister on arrangements for a permanent Council before the end of 1976.
 
On 29 March 1977 Cabinet agreed to the formation of a permanent Australian Science and Technology Council (ASTEC) to advise the Government on science and technology policy.  This decision brought to an end the operations of the Interim ASTEC.  The Prime Minister announced the Government's decision in Parliament on 19 April 1977.  


Sources 
 
Commonwealth Government Directory 1977 (P.221)
 
Report of the Interim Australian Science and Technology Council   for the period 29 April 1976 to 29 March 1977
Historical agency address
Block C, Hotel Kurrajong, National Circuit, Barton ACT
Legislation administered
Creation : Cabinet Decision in January 1975 with Membership announced by the Minister for Science on 18 May 1975.