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. At its first creation, the Department was responsible for the following: • Survey of immediate shortages in basic commodities and planning of improvements by increased production or import • Promotion of decentralisation and regional development throughout the Commonwealth and the Territories of the Commonwealth • Surveys of natural resources and development • Planning the development of national resources generally, and in particular the development of primary and manufacturing industries and the stimulation of housing and building construction • Administration of Commonwealth-State Housing Agreements • Development planning in conjunction with the various States and, where necessary, co-ordination of such development planning, including the investigation of such national works as are referred to the Department by the Government • In conjunction with Treasury and other interested Departments, to make arrangements with the respective States and Other Governmental authorities with regard to the cost and execution of development projects • To control funds required for the approved programme of development work At its second creation in 1979, the Department was responsible for the following: • National energy planning and research • Minerals exploration and resource assessment • Water resources and electricity • Geodesy and mapping • Decentralisation ==Structure==