THE FUTURE of the Port of Darwin has become a political football with Northern Territory acting chief minister, Gerard Maley, joining the fray today (11 April).
Both prime minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have said they want the Chinese-operated port out of foreign ownership and both are accusing the other of playing politics.
In a media release issued today, Mr Maley said now was the perfect time for Mr Albanese and member for Solomon Luke Gosling to clear the air.
“But all we got was more spin,” Mr Maley said.
In Darwin today for the first time since the federal election campaign began, Mr Albanese was non-committal about federal Labor’s plans for Darwin Port if they win the election on May 3.
“For weeks, Mr Albanese and Mr Gosling have talked a big game on the future of Darwin Port, a critically important strategic asset, yet have delivered no certainty for the port, its workers and the community.
“The future of the Darwin Port is an issue the Finocchiaro CLP Government has been working on in good faith with the Commonwealth Government since late last year.
“In recent weeks, as the landowner of Darwin Port, the Northern Territory government has heard nothing from the Albanese government about their plans.
Mr Maly, unsurprisingly, said the opposition had adopted more detailed plans to bring Darwin Port back into Australian hands.
He said that in contrast to Mr Albanese and Mr Gosling, there had been strong leadership from Mr Dutton and the Coalition.
“It is time for Anthony Albanese and Luke Gosling to put up or shut up.”
Leaseholders of the port, Landbridge, have repeatedly said the port is not up for sale and they had not been approached by the federal government.
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