Economic regulation of harbour towage and related services
Public inquiry
This public inquiry has concluded. The inquiry report was released by the Commonwealth Government on 27 March 2003.
The Commonwealth Government asked the Productivity Commission to report within six months on whether harbour towage at major ports should continue to be a 'declared' service under the Prices Surveillance Act 1983.
In so doing, the Commission reported on:
- the impact of structural reforms on the provision of harbour towage and related services (e.g. mooring lines), including the extent to which efficiency and productivity gains have been passed on to the users of these services
- other measures that could be taken to increase the level of competition in harbour towage and related services, where desirable
- whether there is a continuing need for prices oversight of certain harbour towage services and, if so, the most effective forms of price oversight.
In making its recommendations, the Commission reviewed the market structure in the provision of harbour towage and related services including:
- the effectiveness of competition, including factors that might restrict competition
- the extent to which costs structures differ between ports depending on the market structure in each port
- pricing of harbour towage and related services, including structural and regulatory impediments to efficient pricing or service provision
- relevant regulations and legislation that may affect the efficient provision of harbour towage and related services.
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Draft report
The draft report for this project is not available online.
Please note: The draft report is for research purposes only. For final outcomes of this inquiry refer to the inquiry report.Key documents
Inquiry report
A report on the impact of structural reforms on the provision of harbour towage and related services (eg. mooring lines), including the extent to which efficiency and productivity gains have been passed on to the users of these services.
Submissions
Submissions for the public inquiry, Harbour Towage and Related Services.
Public hearings
Transcripts of public hearings for the public inquiry, Harbour Towage and Related Services.