On 3 April 1978 as a result of the reorganisation of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation, the Weapons Research Establishment in South Australia was split into four separate laboratories:
 
Advanced Engineering Laboratory
Electronics Research Laboratory
Weapons Systems Research Laboratory
Trials Resources Laboratory
 
In February 1982, the Trials Resources Laboratory was absorbed into the Advanced Engineering Laboratory.  Collectively, the three laboratories were then known as the Defence Research Centre Salisbury (DRCS), although they operated independently of each other and reported to the Chief Defence Scientist of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. General and administrative support to the laboratories was provided by the Administrative Branch of DRCS.
 
The general functions of the laboratories were to:

. provide scientific and technical advice on defence policy matters. . Provide scientific and technical support -
  (a) to the Australian Defence Force in its task of maintaining
      effective forces in being and for the development of the
      Force; 
  (b) for the acquisition of defence material; and
  (c) for such other matters as specified by the Minister for
      Defence. 
. maintain a technology base to support the Australian Defence Force,
  the Department of Defence and defence industry.
. carry out the initial development of selected prototype equipment
  to meet approved Defence requirements.
(Information Guide to DRCS, Laboratory functions and tasks, 1984)  

The Electronics Research Laboratory (ERL) carried out research and development mainly in surveillance, with activities in radio science, radar, infra-red physics, optics, optoelectronics, electronic warfare, surveillance, navigation and computer techniques.
 
A consulting service was also provided to the Defence forces and to other components of the Department of Defence [II].
 
ERL was divided into three divisions - Electronic Warfare,
Optoelectronics and Radar.  Extensive laboratories and special test facilities were included in these divisions.  ERL was headed by a Director, who as at 1986 was Mr H A d'Assumpcao.
 
As a result of the re-organisation of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation on 1 December 1987, the Electronics Research Laboratory, Defence Research Centre, Salisbury (South Australia) became known as the Electronics Research Laboratory, Defence Science and Technology Organisation, Salisbury, South Australia.  The three divisions of the agency were also affected, some with name changes as well as changes to their functional responsibilities.
Historical agency address
Salisbury SA

Superior agency unregistered

1978-01 Dec 1987: Chief Defence Scientist, Defence Science and Techonology Organisation