Director of Welfare (1953 - 1970)

The role of Director of Welfare was established under the Welfare Ordinance 1953 replacing the position of Director of Native Affairs. Under the Welfare Ordinance, the Director became the legal guardian of all 'wards', a term used in that legislation to refer to Aboriginal people.

After the passing of the Child Welfare Ordinance 1958, the Director of Welfare also appointed as the Director of Child Welfare and in that role became the guardian of every State child.

While the 1953 Ordinance established the role of Director of Welfare the first Director was not appointed to the Welfare Branch until November 1954.