While visiting England in mid-1916, Hughes purchased 15 tramp steamers to transport Australian commodities (particular wool and wheat) to export markets.
[1] Back in Australia, another 23 ships came under the new company's control, whhich had been seized by the government from German and Austrian owners.
[2] After the war's end, the Commonwealth Line built five large ocean liners to carry immigrants from England.
In 1923, Hughes was replaced as prime minister by Stanley Bruce, who opposed the government's ownership of the line as a financial burden and an unfair competitor against private operators.
[3] The Bruce Government sold off the fleet over the next few years, culminating in a final sale to the White Star Line in 1928.