Arthur Tange - Secretary, Department of Defence

Secretary, Department of Defence

In 1970 he returned to Australia to become Secretary of the Department of Defence - the most senior public servant therein, and effective executive head of the civilian side of the Department of Defence, reporting to the Minister. At that time the Department of Defence was of relatively little consequence in the Commonwealth government; each service (Navy, Army and Air Force) had its own separate department with its own minister. Further, the Ministry of Supply, responsible for military logistics, was also a separate portfolio with yet another minister. The respective services and departments were in competition, each group jealously guarding its own budget and powers against the others.

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