Both the government and the opposition have committed to repurchasing Darwin Port, which is currently under a 99-year lease by a Chinese firm, irrespective of the upcoming election outcome. This revelation came to light during statements made by the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton in Darwin, who announced a policy aligned with the Prime Minister’s recent intentions.
Dutton expressed that a Coalition government would act swiftly to reclaim the port, labelling it a crucial national asset that must be returned to Australian control. He reflected on the decision made in 2015 to lease the port to Landbridge, a Chinese company under the Turnbull administration, calling it a significant error. Dutton’s plan includes finding an Australian buyer for the port by the end of this year; failing that, the government would consider compulsory acquisition using taxpayer funds. He underscored the necessity of this move, especially amid growing global uncertainties, criticising the current government for failing to address the issue over the past three years.
In his evening address, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged ongoing efforts by the government to regain ownership of the port. He stated that the sale, which took place in 2015, was a problematic result of a policy introduced by the Abbott government in 2014, which encouraged state and territory governments to sell off public assets as part of a broader asset recycling initiative.
Albanese confirmed their willingness to intervene directly if necessary to secure the port’s return, reiterating the move’s importance in protecting Australian interests. Both leaders’ shared stance on this issue underscores a rare moment of consensus amid political debate, highlighting the strategic significance of Darwin Port in Australian national security.