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Posted by David Sexton
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24 June, 2026
A REPORT into automotive terminal operator AAT’s proposed schedule of tariffs for 2026-27 has been handed down by independent expert Warwick Davis in a document that largely endorses the company's increased charges.
As reported by DCN earlier in the year, several objections were filed with Mr Davis as part of a process that permitted AAT/QUBE to acquire MIRRAT (Webb Dock West) in 2025.
AAT undertook in May last year to establish a regulatory regime for the compulsory tariffs and charges applied on users of all its terminals, replacing earlier undertakings.
The report can be viewed here.
According to the report:
- The proposed introduction of a new R&D charge for wheeled and tracked vehicles is accepted.
- The proposed changes to existing R&D Charges for general cargo are accepted.
- The proposed changes to R&D — late receival gate pass and late receival fees are accepted.
- The proposed change to the included storage days with the FAC at Webb Dock West is accepted.
- The proposed FAC increases should be varied to 23.5% for general cargo at Brisbane (original proposal 29.6%), 40.3% for general and steel cargo at Appleton Dock (OP 46.8%), 6.9% for general cargo at Port Kembla (OP 12.8%), and 31.3% for FAC at Webb Dock West (OP 59.9%).
The IPE's decision is final and binding.
A spokesman for AAT said the company “worked constructively with the independent expert and other stakeholders and welcome the completion of this process, which has substantially validated our approach”.
Shipping Australia was one entity that previously objected.
Chief executive Melwyn Noronha said there had been “a decrease in selected proposed charges, some of which were quite large”.
“One of the proposals was for a 59% increase. As an objector to these proposed large increases, we are pleased to note that there has been some reduction,” Captain Noronha said.
“However, we have reservations as to the process of determination that was followed, which we have raised with the independent pricing expert.”
Other industry figures have referred to a complex process.
An industry lawyer spoken to by DCN said “after a thorough process the IPE had generally accepted the grounds for changes proposed by AAT but recommended reduction in some of the proposed increases”.
“No doubt users of the facilities may feel the new and increased charges determined by the IPE are not reasonable, but the balancing of interests reflected in the undertaking as between AAT and the users of the facilities is a difficult task,” the lawyer stated.
In his report, Mr Davis noted the undertaking required the IPE to make a determination within a compressed timeframe, from 24 March to 15 June.
“This timing enables any determined charges to take effect from 1 July, but it also necessarily limits the time available for consultation, testing of evidence and further information gathering," Mr Davis wrote.
“This is materially shorter than many economic regulatory review processes, which often include staged consultation, draft decisions and further submissions before a final decision.
“Those processes can assist in narrowing issues and testing stakeholder positions. The process under the undertaking is necessarily more limited. That has been a particular challenge for the FY2027 determinations.”
Mr Davis noted he had been required to determine both the services captured by the undertaking disputes process and the reasonableness of proposed changes to charges based on a full building block review of costs.
“This has also required detailed consideration of the appropriate treatment of long-lived leases over land, which is not commonly significant in regulatory contexts and has not been straightforward to resolve within that timeframe,” he wrote.
“I recognise that AAT and users may not regard all issues as finally resolved for future years. The determination applies to charges for FY2027 only, and future review processes may allow the parties to provide further evidence and submissions on contentious matters.”
