Recent discussions regarding the future of Darwin Port have left the Northern Territory (NT) government feeling unsupported by the federal government. Despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s earlier endorsement of Australian ownership, NT Treasurer Bill Yan reported no definitive plans or pathways have emerged from Canberra. Officials have cited the upcoming elections as a factor affecting progress.
Yan emphasised the port’s significance to the NT’s economy, noting its role in trade, industry, job creation, and national defence. However, concerns have been raised about the future stability of the port, particularly following the financial disclosures by Landbridge, the current leaseholder.
Additionally, Yan expressed frustration over the lack of influence federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling, has within his party regarding the potential buy-back of the 99-year lease held by the Chinese company. He stated, “Mr Gosling has spent years talking big about the port, but when it comes to delivering real results for Territorians, he’s nowhere to be seen,” criticising Gosling’s grandstanding without tangible outcomes.
In response, Gosling pushed back, describing Yan’s comments as an unreasonable attempt to reinterpret the history surrounding the lease of Darwin Port by his party, the Country Liberal Party (CLP). He argued that the objective of returning the port should unite all political factions and called for cooperation to ensure the best outcomes for the NT. Gosling reassured stakeholders that he would continue collaborating with Australian investors, Landbridge, and the Prime Minister’s Office to positively influence the port’s future.
Ultimately, Treasurer Yan believes that if the federal government is earnest about the port’s future, a concrete plan must be proposed to ensure its stability and strategic importance. The ongoing political maneuvering suggests that without bipartisan support and a clear strategy, Darwin Port’s future remains uncertain.