This agency commenced operations on 1 July 1976 following a 1975 amendment to the Abattoirs Act.

The Commission was constituted "for the establishment, carrying on, control and management of Government stock saleyards, Public Abattoirs and Meat Export Works and for other purposes incidental". On a functional level the Commission managed the Government abattoir and cold store at Robb Jetty (South Fremantle), and the Government abattoir and livestock saleyard at Midland.

The abattoir at Midland Junction was closed in 1981 after a two year winding down of operations.

The Meat Industry Legislation Act 1993 provided for the Commissions termination (subject to Ministerial direction). The Robbs Jetty abattoir closed in December 1993 and the Midland Saleyard was transferred to the Meat Industry Authority in August 1994. The latter agency managed the remaining facilities at Robbs Jetty following the Commission's cessation in December 1994.