Businesses making use of the Port of Melbourne have been asked to share their thoughts on the port’s pricing practices as part of a regular government review led by the Essential Services Commission.
The ESC is tasked with assessing whether the port is operating competitively and efficiently in accordance with the Victorian Government’s pricing order for its services.
Essential Services Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody says the inquiry is an opportunity to see how the port is performing.
“We want to hear from port users, industry participants and other interested stakeholders about their experiences and views on the port’s pricing practices,” Brody says.
“Feedback from submissions will help inform our assessment of whether the pricing order has been followed and whether any issues require closer attention.”
The inquiry will look at the five-year period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2026 and is assessing the pricing order, which sets the rules for how the port can charge for key services, including:
- berthing ships
- using shipping channels
- short term storage
- access to infrastructure such as wharves, roads and rail.
The commission reviews the port’s compliance with the pricing order every five years. In between these formal inquiries, it provides annual feedback to help guide the port and identify issues affecting port users and other stakeholders.
The commission is now seeking submissions on whether:
- the port has complied with the pricing order
- any non-compliance has been significant or sustained.
Anyone who wishes to follow the inquiry or make a submission can do so by visiting Engage Victoria. Submissions are open until 5pm, August 28, 2026.
The commission will also hold a virtual public forum in late August 2026 to discuss the main issues being considered in the inquiry.
More information is available on the commission’s website.
The commission will provide its final report to the Minister for Finance by December 31, 2026.