The Secretary, Department of the Interior, has requested advice as to whether the Commonwealth has power to grant a subsidy to a steamship line to ensure the maintenance of a shipping service between Darwin and Singapore for the purpose of the carriage of cattle from the former port to the latter port.

Section 122 of the Commonwealth Constitution gives the Commonwealth Parliament power to make laws for the Government of any Territory of the Commonwealth. Under this power provision could, I think, be made for the grant of a subsidy for the maintenance of a shipping service to and from any such Territory.

In my opinion, the Commonwealth has power to grant a subsidy to a steamship line for the maintenance of a shipping service between the Northern Territory and Singapore.

[Vol. 30, p. 62]