The agency was formed following the transfer of certain state functions to the Commonwealth in 1973. While the Department of Environment, Aborigines and the Arts had an office in Adelaide there does not appear to have been any connection with the new agency.
 
The functions and existing staff of the Aboriginal Resources
Division of the South Australian Department of Community Welfare were transferred to the Commonwealth Service unchanged.
 
Initially all positions were located in Adelaide but, by 1975, Area Offices were established in Adelaide, Port Augusta and
Ernabella. The Adelaide Area Office was physically located with the State Office and served by its registry.
 
A further area office was established in Ceduna by 1980.
 
No files were transferred from the Department of Community
Development but individual current papers are included in the agency's correspondence file series for 1973.
Historical agency address
1973-1976: 50 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
1976-1989: 80 King william Street, Adelaide
1989-1990: 54 Grenfell St, Adelaide

Agency controlled unregistered

Department of Aboriginal Affiars, Area Office, Ceduna by 1980-1990
Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Area Office, Ernabella, by 1975- 
 1990

Previous agency unregistered

South Australia, Department of Community Welfare, Aboriginal Resources Division 1972-1973