ABSTRACT

This trade and commerce power provides the Commonwealth with an important tool for the regulation of economic activity. Note the following differences between it and the s 51(xx) corporations power (the other major power used for this purpose): • the trade and commerce power can be used to regulate commercial

activity conducted both through corporations and by individuals; • the power is, however, limited, in that it is restricted to inter-State

and overseas trade and commerce, whereas the corporations power can be used to regulate business activity by corporations, even if they operate wholly within a State.