Australian Commonwealth Shipping Board
Commonwealth Shipping Board
1921 – 1933
Board that managed the Commonwealth Government Line of Steamers and Cockatoo Island Dockyard in Sydney, operating the government's merchant fleet until its sale in 1928 and the dockyard until 1933.
How it came into existence
Constituted in 1921 to take over control of the Commonwealth Government Line of Steamers and of Cockatoo Island Dockyard, previously run by the Navy as the Commonwealth Naval Dockyard. It was given statutory form as a body corporate by the Commonwealth Shipping Act 1923.
- Commonwealth-owned merchant fleet and shipping services
- Cockatoo Island Dockyard shipbuilding and repair
Legislation: Commonwealth Shipping Act 1923
Changes during its life
- 1923The Commonwealth Shipping Act 1923 constituted the Board as a statutory body corporate.
- 1928The Commonwealth Government Line of Steamers was sold to the White Star Line (Kylsant group), ending the Board's shipping operations.
How it ended
After the line was sold to the White Star Line (Kylsant group) in 1928, its remaining undertaking, Cockatoo Island Dockyard, was leased to Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Co. in 1933, leaving the Board with no operating role.
Main functions
- Management of the Commonwealth Government Line of Steamers
- Operation of Cockatoo Island Dockyard
- Shipbuilding and ship repair
- Disposal of the Commonwealth merchant fleet
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Prime Minister's Department.
Lineage
Loading lineage…
Sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.