The Essential Services Commission (ESC) has launched its second five-year inquiry into the Port of Melbourne’s pricing practices.
It calls on industry stakeholders to provide feedback on whether Australia’s largest container port has operated competitively and efficiently.
The inquiry will examine the period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2026, assessing the port’s compliance with the Victorian Government’s pricing order, which regulates how the port charges for prescribed services.
These services include ship berthing, access to shipping channels, short-term cargo storage and access to key infrastructure such as wharves, roads and rail connections.
The Port of Melbourne is Australia’s busiest container port, handling international and domestic freight that moves through Port Phillip Bay and across Victoria’s freight network.
Under the pricing order, the ESC is required to review the port’s compliance every five years. Between these formal reviews, it publishes annual monitoring reports to provide guidance to the port and identify emerging issues affecting port users and the broader supply chain.
As part of the inquiry, the commission is seeking submissions on whether the Port of Melbourne has complied with the pricing order and whether any instances of non-compliance have been significant or sustained.
Submissions are open until 5pm on 28 August 2026, with a virtual public forum scheduled for late August to discuss key issues raised during the consultation.
“The inquiry is an important opportunity to assess whether the Port of Melbourne has been operating competitively and efficiently,” said ESC Chairperson and Commissioner, Gerard Brody.
“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 ESC will deliver its final report to the Victorian Minister for Finance by 31 December 2026.
Port of Melbourne has acknowledged the commencement of this inquiry.
“The inquiry is a standard regulatory requirement under the Pricing Order, undertaken every five years to review compliance and ensure the framework continues to support efficient investment while protecting port users and Victorian consumers,” Port of Melbourne said in a statement.
“This inquiry reflects the established regulatory process and forms part of the ongoing oversight of Australia’s largest container and general cargo port.
“Port of Melbourne welcomes the opportunity to participate in the Inquiry and is committed to supporting a transparent, evidence-based review.
“Over the past five years, Port of Melbourne has made significant improvements to its approach to pricing, engagement and governance. This includes strengthening internal capability, enhancing expenditure forecasting processes and embedding more structured and consistent stakeholder engagement practices.
“These changes have been informed by the findings of the previous Inquiry and reflect our focus on
continuous improvement and accountability.
“Port of Melbourne encourages port users and stakeholders to engage directly with the Essential Services Commission as part of this process, via Engage Vic.
“As Australia’s largest container port, handling around one-third of the nation’s container trade, Port of Melbourne plays a critical role in supporting the Victorian and national economy. Maintaining a robust and transparent regulatory framework is essential to ensuring the port can continue to attract investment, operate efficiently, and deliver value to the community over the long term.”
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