Department of External Affairs (1921–1970)

[3] In 1961, the department introduced a special $20,000-a-year language-training program for its junior diplomats.The program was still operating in 1967, with the aim to assist diplomats achieve proficiency in the local languages of the countries in which they were serving.[5][6] The old External Affairs title was sometimes causing confusion and the name change to Foreign Affairs, initiated by William McMahon, brought Australia into line with common international practice.[7] 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] The secretaries of the department were John Henry Starling (1933–35), William Hodgson (1935–45), William Dunk (1945–47), John Burton (1947–50), Alan Watt (1950–54), Arthur Tange (1954–65), James Plimsoll (1965–70) and finally Keith Waller (1970).
Prime Minister's DepartmentDepartment of Foreign AffairsCommonwealth of AustraliaPercy DeaneJohn G. McLarenJohn Henry StarlingWilliam HodgsonWilliam DunkJohn BurtonAlan WattArthur TangeJames PlimsollKeith WallerAustralian governmentSecretaryGorton governmentWilliam McMahonLeague of NationsInternational Labour OrganizationPermanent Court of International JusticeCommonwealth Public ServiceGorton, John