The Essential Services Commission is asking for public feedback as part of its second inquiry into whether the Port of Melbourne has been operating competitively and efficiently, in accordance with the Victorian Government’s pricing order. A public forum (details below) will be held shortly.
Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody commented: “This inquiry is an important opportunity to assess whether the Port of Melbourne has been operating competitively and efficiently. We want to hear from port users, industry participants and other interested stakeholders about their experiences and views on the port’s pricing practices. 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.
The pricing order 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 Port of Melbourne supports international and domestic shipping services that move containerised and general cargo from Melbourne through Port Phillip Bay.
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 28 August 2026.
The commission will provide its final report to the Minister for Finance by 31 December 2026.
Public forum
The Essential Services Commission will hold a virtual public forum to provide port users and interested parties with information on our inquiry process and opportunities to ask questions. The Commission will talk about its role in the inquiry, scope and timeline of the inquiry, and how port users and interested parties can contribute to the inquiry.
- Date: Monday, 17 August 2026
- Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
- Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Please visit this page to register your attendance.
The forum will be recorded to ensure access for anyone who is unable to attend. Any statement or comment you make, or any question you ask, will be included in the recording which will be uploaded by the Commission to YouTube and the Commission’s website.
