The Victorian State Parliament is quickly advancing a major piece of port management legislation, the Roads and Ports Legislation Amendment (Road Safety and Other Matters) Bill 2025, introduced on 13 May by Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne. The bill, which has now moved to second reading, proposes significant changes affecting the operation of ports in Victoria. Key provisions include allowing port managers to act as harbour masters in their absence, expanding the roles and geographic scope of port managers, establishing a licensing system for mooring service providers (with penalties for unlicensed operations), and updating marine pollution laws, including broader definitions of health professionals and liability limits. If passed, the bill could reshape port oversight and service provision in the state.
