Inter-State Commission
1913 – 1920
Commission provided for by section 101 of the Constitution to adjudicate on and administer the Constitution's provisions on interstate trade and commerce, which also inquired into tariff and industry questions for the Government.
How it came into existence
Established under the Inter-State Commission Act 1912 and constituted in 1913, when its three commissioners, led by A. B. Piddington, were appointed for seven-year terms. It had no Commonwealth predecessor.
Legislation: Inter-State Commission Act 1912
How it ended
Its judicial powers were struck down by the High Court in New South Wales v Commonwealth (the Wheat Case, 1915), and it lapsed in 1920 when the commissioners' terms expired and no replacements were appointed; tariff inquiries were taken over by the Tariff Board from 1921. The Inter-State Commission Act 1912 was repealed in 1950.
- Tariff inquiries
The Inter-State Commission lapsed in 1920; the Tariff Board took over its tariff inquiry role.
- Inquiries into interstate trade and commerce under section 101 of the Constitution
Revival of the constitutional commission after it had lapsed in 1920; no legal continuity.
Main functions
- Investigation of interstate trade and commerce
- Tariff and industry assistance inquiries
- Adjudication on preferences and discrimination in interstate trade (until 1915)
- Inquiries into railway rates affecting interstate trade
Where it sits
Last in the portfolio of Department of Trade and Customs.
Lineage
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Sources
Other sources
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.