The state government in New South Wales intends to privatise Newcastle Port.
The government announced the sale in Tuesday's budget and introduced a bill on Wednesday to enable the transaction. Standing orders were suspended to allow debate.
House leader Brad Hazzard said it was necessary to suspend standing orders so the bill can be dealt with before the House rises for the winter break.
The upper house will consider the bill on Thursday morning after the legislation passed the lower house late on Wednesday night.
The ABC reports the government has already arranged a long-term lease for Port Botany in Sydney and Port Kembla on the NSW south coast for $A5 billion.
Newcastle is the world's largest coal port.
