Port Of Melbourne Pricing Order Amendment Changes Confirmed Following Government Gazettal

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have received advice from the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF), the Port of Melbourne (PoM), and the Victorian Government confirming the formal gazettal of amendments to the Port of Melbourne Pricing Order.

This follows earlier industry engagement undertaken in November and December 2025, where FTA/APSA provided a summary of the proposed reforms, including ex-ante regulatory assessment of major projects and changes to the Tariffs Adjustment Limit (TAL) framework in relation to the Port Capacity Enhancement Program (PCEP).

The Victorian Government has now confirmed that the amended Pricing Order has been published in the Victoria Government Gazette: available here (refer Page 108)

Key features of the amended framework include:

• Introduction of an ex-ante (upfront) assessment process by the Essential Services Commission (ESC) for major infrastructure investments prior to commitment of expenditure
• A mechanism enabling the Port of Melbourne to seek approval for cost recovery above the Tariffs Adjustment Limit (TAL), where the ESC determines that investment is prudent and efficient
• Strengthening of the regulatory framework to support earlier engagement with port users and improved transparency around major project development
• Ongoing oversight by the ESC in relation to compliance with the Pricing Order and assessment of future investment proposals

The reforms are intended to support long-term port capacity planning, including the proposed Port Capacity Enhancement Program while maintaining regulatory safeguards through independent oversight by the Essential Services Commission

Further information: Members are encouraged to direct enquiries to Kellie Wilson, Stakeholder Engagement Lead (Regulatory), Corporate Relations, Port of Melbourne – Kellie.Wilson@portofmelbourne.com

Sal Milici - Licensed Customs Broker
General Manager - Trade Policy & Operations - FTA | APSA

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