fx/Ilois^er for A d m i n i  sferalsi ve  S e r v i c e s

BRITISH PHOSPHATE COMMISSIONERS AND CHRISTMAS ISLAND PHOSPHATE COMMISSION -  APPOINTMENT OF NEW AUSTRALIAN COMMISSIONER Ã¢ÂÂ

.  ,  The Minister for Administrative Services, Senator the Honourable

R.G. Withers,  today announced the appointment of Mr Maurice Timbs as the

Australian Commissioner to the British Phosphate Commissioners and the

Christmas Island Phosphate Commission.

.  Mr Timbs'  appointment on both organisations will take effect

from .1 July 19 76.

Mr Timbs is a First Division Officer of the Public Service and

was head of the Department of Services and Property until the functions

of that Department were changed as a result of the new administrative

arrangements announced by the Government in December 1975.

Mr Timbs has played a leading role in the development of Australia’

Atomic Energy Program when he was an Executive Member of the Australian

Atomic Energy Commission from 1964 to 1973. Mr Timbs1  administrative

experience will be extremely valuable for the future operations of both

the British Phosphate Commissioners and the Christmas Island Phosphate

Commission. .

Mr Timbs succeeds Sir Allen Brown C.B.E., who has served as

the Australian representative since 1 July 1970. .  .

Senator Withers paid tribute to the outstanding services Sir Allen

had gj.ven to the British Phosphate Commissioners and the Christmas Island

Phosphate Commission.  .

He said that Sir Allen had made a significant contribution to the

successful operations of.both phosphate organisations. .

.  The British Phosphate Commissioners comprise representatives of

the Australian, British and New Zealand governments and the Christmas

Island Phosphate Commission comprises representatives of the Australian

and New Zealand governments.  These organisations are responsible for

the supply of phosphate rock to fertilizer manufacturers in Australia

and New Zealand and as such have an important role in assisting the rual

industries of both countries. .

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