Implementation of recommendations from the Independent Review of the Ports and Maritime Administration Act 1995 and Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy.

The NSW Government has endorsed all recommendations relating to the Independent Review of the Ports and Maritime Administration Act (the Act) 1995 and Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS), excluding PBLIS recommendation 18, to engage NSW Ports – the private port operator – as a service provider to administer elements of PBLIS.

The NSW Government is inviting feedback on proposed changes to the Regulation and current PBLIS Mandatory Standards, and new Performance Benchmarks Mandatory Standards. This implements endorsed recommendations from the Independent Review of the Act and the PBLIS, that require regulatory changes.

A six-week public consultation period will be carried out from 20 October until 28 November 2025, inviting feedback on the proposed changes required to implement the recommendations.

Transport for NSW has invited the NSW Small Business Commission to offer their service as an independent facilitator to any stakeholders participating in the PBLIS regulatory change consultation process.

To participate in consultation activities facilitated by Transport for NSW on the Act or PBLIS, please submit an expression of interest by 24 October 2025.

Tell us what you think

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on proposed changes outlined in the:

• Draft Ports and Maritime Administration Regulation 2025
• Draft Port Botany Landside Operations – Mandatory Standards and Directions
• Draft Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy – Performance Benchmarks

To support your submissions, please refer to the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) 2025 the PBLIS Regulatory Changes Consultation Fact Sheet and the PBLIS Stevedore and Carrier performance charts.

Submissions will be made available on the Ports and Maritime Administration Act and Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy project website.

Unless requested otherwise, all submissions will be published on the project website after the consultation period closes. Submissions will be published with personal information redacted.

Feedback will inform changes to the Ports and Maritime Administration Regulation 2021 and PBLIS Mandatory Standards.

A second round of consultation to consider any refinements to PBLIS regulatory changes based on feedback from this consultation is planned for 2026.

You can have your say by uploading a submission by 11:59pm 28 November 2025.

What is the difference between the Ports and Maritime Administration Act and Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy consultations?

• The Ports and Maritime Administration Act consultation is covering changes to the Ports and Maritime Administration Regulation 2021 related to the Independent Review Act recommendations. It also includes some additional proposed regulation changes.

• The Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy consultation covers reforms to PBLIS that require changes to the Ports and Maritime Administration Regulation 2021 and Mandatory Standards.

Why are there two submission tabs?

To ensure clarity and targeted feedback, submissions are separated by stream. Stakeholders may choose to respond to one or both consultations.

What is the role of the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS)?

The RIS explains the rationale and expected impacts of the proposed changes. It supports transparency and helps stakeholders provide informed feedback.

Will my submission be published?

Yes, unless you request otherwise. Submissions will be published, with personal details redacted, on the project website after the consultation period closes.

Who is facilitating the consultation?

Transport for NSW has invited the NSW Small Business Commission to offer their service as an independent facilitator to any stakeholders participating in the PBLIS regulatory change consultation process.

Am I required to meet with the independent facilitator?

The NSW Small Business Commission will offer their service as an independent facilitator to any stakeholders that would like to use this service to help them understand the proposals and communicate their feedback. There is no requirement to use the independent facilitator.

What happens after consultation?

Feedback will inform changes to the Ports and Maritime Administration Regulation 2021 and PBLIS mandatory standards.

A second round of consultation to consider any refinements to PBLIS regulatory changes based on feedback from this consultation is planned for 2026.

Timing of the introduction of the amendments will be provided once confirmed.

Updates will be made available on the Ports and Maritime Administration Act and Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy project website.