In 1983, the Government Statist and Actuary (VA 989) was transferred to the Department of Management and Budget (VA 1022) but operational responsibility for the registration of births, deaths and marriages remained with the Department of Property and Services (VA 430). Between 1983 and 1986, the Assistant Government Statist (Chief Registration Officer) had effective responsibility, although legislative responsibility remained with the Government Statist.

With the proclamation of the Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Amendment) Act 1985 (No. 10244) on 31 October 1986, legislative responsibility was transferred to the Registrar of Births, Deaths, Marriages and the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages was formally established. Services in relation to marriage are undertaken under delegation from the Federal Government pursuant to the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961, and include a register of ministers and celebrants authorised to conduct marriage ceremonies, as well as powers in relation to the marriage of minors.

The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages maintains records of all births, deaths, marriages, stillbirths, adoptions, legitimations and instruments of paternity which have occurred in Victoria since 1853. It now also has responsibility for the early Church Records form 1837 - 1853 which are the only source of births and deaths information for that period.

History of Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration

Compulsory registration was first introduced in 1853 (see the Act 16 Vic., No.26). The administration of the function has been the responsibility of the following Groups and Agencies:

1853-1873
VRG Colonial Secretary (to 1855) VRG 26 Chief Secretary (to 1869)
VA 2889 Registrar-General's Department

1873-1893
VRG 19 Law (to 1893)
VA 862 Office of the Registrar-General and the Office of Titles

1893-1983
VRS 26 Chief Secretary (to 1979) VRG 69 Property and Services (from 1979)
VA 989 Office of Government Statist and Actuary.