Equality in Diversity

The Federal Government established the Commonwealth Grants Commission on 17 July 1933, at a time when the growing disillusionment of the less populous States with the policies of the central Government threatened the very fabric of the Federation.  Since then, the Commission has operated as an independent arbiter in the difficult field of intergovernment financial relations, first between the Commonwealth and the states only, but gradually since the late 1970's also for the Territories.

While the Commission's findings have not always received unqualified support from the States and Territories, it has earned Australia-wide and international respect for its impartiality, objectivity and contribution to the practice of intergovernment financial relations.   It has played a central role in the development of a viable system of fiscal federalism in Australia.

The second edition of the history of the Commission traces the efforts of a unique institution to maintain financial equality and equilibrium within a diversified Federal framework.  In doing so, it pays tribute to the distinguished Australians who have served on the Commission since its establishment. Equality in Diversity (second edition) should be welcomed by all those with an interest in Australia's financial, economic and political history.

© Commonwealth of Australia 1995 (out of print)

 

ISBN 0 644 45193 9 (Casebound)

ISBN 0 644 45300 1 (Paperback)

ISBN 0 644 43142 3 (Set)

 

More recent activities of the Commission have been recorded in a third publication, released in January 2009:  The Commonwealth Grants Commission – The Last 25 Years