The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Senator the Hon
Ian Campbell, announced today that he has directed the Productivity Commission
(PC) to undertake an inquiry into the provision of harbour towage and related
services at major ports in Australia. The Terms of Reference
for the inquiry are attached.
The Parliamentary Secretary stated that "towage services
are an integral component in the operation of Australian ports, and I am concerned
that inefficient pricing or service provision could harm Australia's international
competitiveness. An inquiry would provide a forum for users and providers of
harbour towage services to raise issues about the structure of the industry
and identify structural or regulatory impediments to its efficient operation."
"I am aware that Adsteam Marine Ltd, the sole provider of
towage services at a number of major Australian ports, recently submitted a
pricing proposal to the ACCC to increase charges by up to 26 per cent. This
has been met with considerable concern from the users of towage services. I
consider that an inquiry into this sector would be timely and consistent with
the broader structural reform objective of increasing the efficiency of the
maritime sector."
The PC has been directed to conduct the inquiry and report within six months.
CANBERRA
20 February 2002
Contact:
Tammie Webb, Senator Campbell's Office
08 9325 4227 or 0417 400 227
http://parlsec.treasurer.gov.au