An inquiry into a “possible misuse of market power” in the setting and reviewing of land rents at the Port of Melbourne over a four year period has been launched by the Victorian Essential Services Commission.
The Commission will look at:
- how the Port of Melbourne sets and reviews land rents
- the Port of Melbourne’s compliance with established processes
- how much of the land rents paid by tenants are ultimately passed through to Victorian consumers.
According to the Commission’s official public notice, it will consider what power it may exercise in the process for setting and reviewing rents for land at the Port of Melbourne. It will also consider that power has been exercised in a way that causes material detriment to Victorian consumers.
If the Commission finds thta there has been a misuse of market power, it will make recommendations about possible economic regulation.
The inquiry covers land rents set and reviewed during the 5-year inquiry period from 1 November 2019 to 31 October 2024. The inquiry is to be conducted in accordance with Part 5 of the Essential Services Commission Act 2001 (Vic).
The Commission plans to schedule some confidential drop-in sessions for stakeholders to meet and provide feedback directly, including on a confidential basis. Readers can contact the Commission by e-mail at tr*******@*********ov.au.
An online public hearing will be held on 7 November 2024.
Further reading:
Visit the Commission’s website to find out more: Notice of inquiry: Port of Melbourne – Market rent inquiry 2024–25 | Victorian Digital Public Notices.
Port of Melbourne market rent inquiry 2025: Port of Melbourne market rent inquiry 2025 | Essential Services Commission
Port of Melbourne – 2025 Port Market Rent Inquiry Scope and Process Paper: Port of Melbourne – 2025 Port Market Rent Inquiry Scope and Process Paper (esc.vic.gov.au)
