Arthur Smith (public servant)

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Arthur Sydney Victor Smith CBE (22 January 1893 – 9 February 1971) was a senior Australian public servant. He served as Secretary of the Department of Supply and Development from 1 July 1941 to 17 October 1942, and then as Secretary of the Department of Supply and Shipping from 17 October 1942 to 11 April 1945.

Early life
He was born in Coburg, Melbourne. He began his public service career in the Postmaster-General's Department when he was 14.

World War II work
From March to June 1942, Smith worked in Washington to improve cooperation between Australia, Britain and the United States in the Pacific war. He represented Australia at Pacific War Council meetings.

Later career
When the Department of Supply and Development was replaced by the Department of Supply and Shipping, he became head of the new department.

Personal life and honors
He was married to Gladys Lavina Muriel Ford from 1918 until his death. In January 1951, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Death
Smith died in Darlinghurst, Sydney, on 9 February 1971, aged 78.