On 13 August 1992, the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy and the Minister for Resources announced changes to the operational and administrative arrangements for the Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR).  The changes were seen as necessary to ensure that scientific support for resources decisions was provided in the most efficient way.
 
BMR functions were to be divided between two agencies which would be newly created within the Department of Primary Industries and Energy (DPIE).
 
The Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO) gained all BMR functions except those dealing with petroleum and minerals resources. The Joint Statement of 13 August 1992 also announced that there would be an inquiry into the administrative arrangements under which the AGSO operates, including whether the AGSO will stay in the Department of Primary Industries and Energy or become a separate institution within the CSIRO.  

In relation to the functions dealing with petroleum and mineral resources, the Joint Statement of 13 August 1992 announced:
 
"The resources currently allocated to petroleum and minerals within  the BMR will be merged with the current Bureau of Rural Resources     (BRR) in DPIE to become the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and      Resource Sciences (ABARS).  ABARS will include the National Resources Information Centre (NRIC), which is currently operated jointly by BMR and BRR."
 
However, the change in relation to petroleum and minerals did not appear to eventuate at that time and a Joint Statement of the Ministers on 21 October 1992 announced instead "... the formation of the Bureau of Resource Sciences (BRS) within the Department of Primary Industries and Energy.  The BRS is being formed by merging the Bureau of Rural Resources (BRR) and the petroleum and mineral resources assessment functions of the former Bureau of Mineral Resources (BMR)."
 
As a result of the Administrative Arrangements Order of 21 October 1998 the Petroleum Resources Branch and the Mineral resources and energy Branch moved from the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) into the Australian Geological Survey Organisation within the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

In 2001, a review carried out concluded that geoscience was relevant to society by providing information essential for economic prosperity and for the proper use of resources to protect the local and global economy.

The change of name to Geoscience Australia was recognition that the agency's work is vital in a wide range of contexts. The geoscience research and information produced by the agency contributes to enhanced economic, social and environmental benefits to the community by providing input for decisions that impact upon resource use, management of the environment, and the safety and well-being of Australians.

Specific outcomes and outputs of the agency are:

* Enhanced global attractiveness of Australia's offshore and onshore exploration;
* Improved resource management and environmental protection;
* Safer communities and transportation; and
* Geoscience for urban centres, oceans and coasts, and regional and rural areas.

In September 2001, AUSLIG (CA 6762) merged with Geoscience Australia to become the National Mapping Division for the agency.

Previous title:

Aug 1992 - Aug 2001: Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO)
Aug 2001 - Nov 2001: AGSO - Geoscience Australia


Sources
 
Joint Statement of 13 August 1992 by the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, the Hon Simon Crean MP and the Minister for Resources, the Hon Alan Griffiths MP on "New Arrangements for Bureau of Mineral Resources" (reference PIE92/73GR)
 
Joint Statement of 21 October 1992 by the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, the Hon Simon Crean MP and the Minister for Resources, the Hon Alan Griffiths MP on "New Scientific Bureau to Support Resource Management" (reference DPIE 92/85J)

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette NO. 514, 22 October 1998

Geoscience Australia website http//www.ga.gov.au

New Administrative Arrangements, Bureau of Rural sciences online,
Historical agency addressAug 1992 - Feb 1998: Anzac Park East Building, Cnr Constitution Avenue & Anzac Parade, Parkes ACT
Feb 1998 -         : Cnr Hindmarsh Drive and Jerrabomberra Avenue, Symonston ACT