Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
Major ports in Australia including South Australian Ports, Port of Brisbane, Port Botany, Port Kembla, Port of Newcastle, Port of Darwin and Port of Melbourne have been privatised between 2001 and 2016. The privatised ports followed a similar transaction model with a long-term leasehold contract (98 or 99 years except Port of Melbourne of 50 years) over the port assets with the private sector. The governance structure at those privatised ports is a private landlord model that the private port company being the landlord has the right to manage the port.
The privatised ports are mature assets with growth prospects and limited threats from competition. Such nature attracted interests of investors in particular institutional fund owners involved in the port privatisation process. The private port company are interested in the port assets that can create profit, provide revenue opportunities and growth with minimal government regulation; however, there are concerns to customers and communities of the privatised ports to be watched and monitored, for example increased charges, impeded competition, decreased long-term port investment, and other issues affecting public interests.
It has been more than 14 years since the first east coast port Port of Brisbane was privatised in 2010, and 8 years the last port Port of Melbourne was privatised in 2016. Is the Australian port privatisation policy effective? There isn't any empirical evidence to answer the question and requires investigation. Port governance structure has impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of ports' management and operations that are critical to the nation's supply chain costs and trade. In particular, the current technology development in the maritime industry (ships and ports) and renewable energy hubs development and related trade in Australia require further port planning and investment to accommodate the needs. It is important to ensure a sound port governance structures to support the development.
The port governance literature suggests that a continuous monitoring and evaluation of the performance, including efficiency and effectiveness for privatised ports, is necessary. This research project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Australian privatised ports from different aspects including financial, long-term port planning and supply chain efficiency and costs.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Knowledge in port management
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Peggy Chen to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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