The Independent Review of the Victorian Ports System was formally launched by the Minister for Ports and Freight, the Hon. Melissa Horne, at a Ports Round Table event on 30 January 2020. The release of this discussion paper for public comment is an important step in the conduct of the review.

The overarching policy and legislative settings for both commercial and local ports have not been substantially reviewed since the Russell Review (The Next Wave of Port Reform in Victoria) was completed in 2001.

The discussion paper sets out a range of themes, issues and options for consideration and comment by interested parties. In doing so, it incorporates information, ideas and views generated by a significant program of direct stakeholder engagement already undertaken during the review process to date.

Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback in response to the discussion paper by 31 July 2020.