Ernest Thomas Hall

Ernest Thomas Hall was a senior Australian public servant. He was Controller-General of the Department of Trade and Customs between 1927 and 1933.

Life and career Hall entered the Victorian Customs department in 1888. He was private secretary to several State Ministers. He was licensed under Victorian law as a shorthand writer in 1890.

At federation, Hall transferred to the federal Department of Trade and Customs.

In 1916, Hall traveled to the United States, tasked with opening the Australian Customs Office in New York City and making extensive war supply purchases. He served in the role until March 1927 when he was appointed Chairman of the Tariff Board.

When Customs Comptroller-General Robert McKeeman Oakley died in August 1927, Hall began acting in his position. He resigned his position at the Tariff Board in October 1927.

Hall retired from the position of Comptroller in 1933, due to poor health. The Minister for Trade and Customs Thomas White paid tribute to Hall's valuable and able administration.

Awards Hall was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in June 1929.