[2] Hawke reasoned that including responsibility for technology and civil offsets in the new Department would enable better integration of Australia's industry and technology policies and would increase the competitiveness of Australian industry stimulating growth and employment opportunities.
[2] Information about the department's functions and government funding allocation could be found in the Administrative Arrangements Orders, the annual Portfolio Budget Statements and in the Department's annual reports.
[1] From 13 December 1984 to 12 March 1985, the Secretary of the Department was Tom Hayes.
[1] The third Secretary of the department was Malcolm McIntosh, from 1 July 1990 to 22 December 1990.
[1] Neville Stevens was appointed the department's fourth and final secretary in December 1990.