The Division of Economic Entomology was established on 11 April 1928 and operated as such until 19 May 1949 when its title changed to the Division of Entomology at the same time as CSIR became CSIRO. 
The Division was established to conduct research on entomological problems associated with both animals and plant and to control Australia's insect and weed pests.

The Division's work embraces a wide array of problems in economic entomology, and a balanced investigation of basic principles that may eventually point the way to new approaches to pest control.  No province of entomological research is debarred to the Division, though the limited field of medical entomology and the problems of animal ectoparasites have been left to others.

The Division has an obligation to make the results of its research available and assist in raising the standard of entomological training in Australia.  A notable contribution in this regard being the production of the reference publication, "Insects of Australia".

The Division is the custodian of the Australian National Insect Collection for which it is responsible as part of the national heritage.

Currently the Division's research is focused on five main areas:

   Stored Products and Structural Pests: with a mission to develop
   safe and cost effective methods of pest and quality management for
   commodity storage, transport and the built environment that
   meet modern and changing needs of the market and the community.

   Biotechnology: with a mission to develop biotechnologies and 
   products for managing insects (and other invertebrates) and
   minimising pest residues.

   Weed Management: with a mission to understand the ecology of
   weeds and their natural enemies, and to use this knowledge to
   increase the sustainability of land management systems.

   Pest Management: with a mission to enhance primary production by
   developing new strategies and tools for the management of pest 
   and beneficial invertebrates.

   Natural Resources and Biodiversity: with a mission to deliver
   knowledge on the systematics and ecology of insects and related
   organisms in order to conserve and sustainably manage natural
   resources and biodiversity.


Source

Information supplied by the Division of Entomology
Historical agency address
Clunies Ross Street, Black Mountain ACT