Sir William James Clemens, CMG, ISO (27 March 1873 – 4 September 1941) was a senior Australian public servant, best known for his service to the Commonwealth Public Service Board.
Sir William James Clemens | |
|---|---|
| Secretary of the Department of Home and Territories | |
| In office 11 June 1928 – 9 December 1928 | |
| Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs | |
| In office 10 December 1928 – 31 December 1928 | |
| Chairman of the Public Service Board | |
| In office 23 April 1933 – 26 March 1937 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William James Clemens 27 March 1873 Beechworth, Victoria |
| Died | 4 September 1941 (aged 68) Melbourne, Victoria |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Spouse(s) | 1) Lillie White (m.1899, died 1911). 2) Belle Webster (m.1914). |
| Occupation | Public servant |
Life and career
editClemens was born at Spring Creek, Beechworth, Victoria on 27 March 1873.[1] His parents were James and Catherine Clemens.[2]
Clemens joined the Victorian Public Service in 1899.[2] In 1901, the year of Federation, Clemens transferred into the Commonwealth Public Service.[1]
In June 1928, Clemens was appointed Secretary of the Department of Home and Territories,[3] and later that year Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs.[4]
In 1929, Clemens was appointed third commissioner of the Public Service Board.[5][6][7] In 1931, he was appointed sole Public Service Commissioner after the retirement of W.J. Skewes as Chairman of the Public Service Board.[8] In 1937, Clemens retired from the public service.[9]
In 1938, the Australian Government appointed Clemens to conduct an inquiry into the high cost of living in Canberra.[10] As part of the inquiry, Clemens was tasked with investigating why the costs of meat, vegetables, milk, groceries and other food in Canberra was much higher than in other nearby cities.[11] While the inquiry was not a Royal Commission, Clemens was still granted the powers to call witnesses, take evidence under oath, and demand the production of books and documents.[12] His report, delivered in March 1939,[13][14] in six sections, recommended administrative action against monopolies controlling supply in the ACT.[15]
Clemens died in Melbourne on 4 September 1941,[1] following an operation.[16]
Awards and honours
editClemens was appointed a Companion of the Imperial Service Order in June 1925 whilst Secretary of the Public Service Board.[17] In June 1934, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for his services as Commissioner of the Commonwealth Service Board.[18] In 1937 he was made a Knight Bachelor.[19]
In November 2004, a street in Canberra's central business district was named William Clemens Street in Clemens' honour.[20]
References
edit- ^ a b c Gourley, P.D.; Stewart, M.F., "Clemens, Sir William James (1873–1941)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, Australian National University, archived from the original on 29 April 2014
- ^ a b Sir William James CLEMENS CMG, ISO, National Archives of Australia, retrieved 22 February 2015
- ^ CA 15: Department of Home and Territories, Central Office, National Archives of Australia, retrieved 22 February 2015
- ^ CA 24: Department of Home Affairs [II], Central Office, National Archives of Australia, retrieved 22 February 2015
- ^ "Federal Affairs. Work and Workers. Important Appointments". The Advertiser. Adelaide, South Australia. 7 January 1929. p. 24.
- ^ "Federal Officials. Important Changes". The Register News-Pictorial. Adelaide, South Australia. 3 January 1929. p. 10.
- ^ "Sir WM. Clemens. Death in Melbourne". The Canberra Times. 5 September 1941. p. 4.
- ^ "Public Service Board: Mr. Clemens to Act Alone". Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate. 15 May 1931. p. 7.
- ^ "Mr. W. J. Clemens. Public Service Board Chairman Retires". The Sydney Morning Herald. 25 March 1937. p. 19.
- ^ "Inquiry into Canberra Costs: Sir William Clemens appointed". The Canberra Times. 5 March 1938. p. 1.
- ^ "Canberra Cost of Living. Sir William Clemens to Investigate". The Sydney Morning Herald. 5 March 1938. p. 12.
- ^ "Canberra living costs enquiry. Wide powers for Sir William Clemens". The Advertiser. Adelaide, South Australia. 9 March 1938. p. 27.
- ^ "Canberra Milk and Meat Monopolies". The Canberra Times. 18 March 1939. p. 4.
- ^ "Cost of Living. Review of Clemens Report. Advisory Council to Meet". The Canberra Times. 20 March 1939. p. 1.
- ^ "Action against monopolies in Canberra". The Central Queensland Herald. Rockhampton, Queensland. 23 March 1939. p. 29.
- ^ "Sir William Clemens, Canberra". Advocate. Burnie, Tasmania. 6 September 1941. p. 2.
- ^ "Search Australian Honours: CLEMENS, William James, Imperial Service Order", itsanhonour.gov.au, Australian Government, archived from the original on 21 February 2015
- ^ "Search Australian Honours: CLEMENS, William James, The Order of St Michael and St George – Companion", itsanhonour.gov.au, Australian Government, archived from the original on 21 February 2015
- ^ "Search Australian Honours: CLEMENS, William James, Knight Bachelor", itsanhonour.gov.au, Australian Government, archived from the original on 21 February 2015
- ^ William Clemens Street, ACT Government, retrieved 31 March 2015