The appointment in 1973 of a Minister for Planning made provision for all government planning functions to be centrally administered with greater co-ordination of planning strategies between the various planning authorities. In 1983 further co-ordination of government regulation of land use was achieved when the portfolio was expanded and the Minister became known as the Minister for Planning and Environment.

In April 1990 the Minister became the Minister of Planning and Urban Growth. In November 1991 the name of the portfolio was changed to Planning and Housing to reflect the amalgamation of the planning portfolio with the responsibilities of the Minister for Housing and Construction (VRG 88). In October 1992 the housing and building functions were removed from the portfolio and the Minister for Planning and Housing became the Minister for Planning.

Following the re-election of the Kennett Government in April 1996 a Planning and Local Government portfolio was established with the appointment of a Minister for Planning and Local Government (VRG 126). This portfolio comprises the whole of the former Planning portfolio.

Location of Records

Some records relating to planning schemes, the Town and Country Planning Board (VA 516) and the Planning Appeals Board have been transferred to the Public Record Office. There are also records of the Metropolitan Town Planning Commission 1923-1930.

See also List of Holdings 2nd edition 1985, section 3.15.0.

Ministers

Minister for Planning 1973-1983, 1992-1996
Minister for Planning and Environment 1983-1990
Minister for Planning and Urban Growth 1990-1991
Minister for Planning and Housing 1991-1992