Coastal shipping services are an important part of Australia’s transport, distribution and logistics sector. The cost and availability of shipping services is an important factor determining the competitiveness of Australian firms operating in global markets.

The BCA recommends that the government task the Productivity Commission with assessing the economic and productivity impacts of the proposed shipping reforms and the implications for the cost and availability of domestic shipping services.

The Productivity Commission should also be asked to assess the proposals against alternative reform options to deliver economic benefits in the national interest.

Submission to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport on Reforming Australia’s Shipping