For the defunct chain of discount stores owned by JCPenney, see Treasury Stores.
A treasury is any place where the currency or items of high monetary value are kept. The term was first used in Classical times to describe the votive buildings erected to house gifts to the gods, such as the Siphnian Treasury in Delphi or many similar buildings erected in Olympia, Greece by competing city-states to impress others during the ancient Olympic Games.
The head of a Treasury is typically known as a Treasurer. This position may not necessarily have the final control over the actions of the Treasury particularly if they are not an elected representative.
In Australia a Treasurer and a Finance Minister co-exist. The Treasurer is responsible for drafting the government budget and coordinating government expenditure. The Finance Minister is responsible for government policy guidelines for commonwealth, statutory authorities, and superannuation policies.
