A MEETING between Northern Territory and federal government representatives has failed to reach agreement on the future of Darwin Port.
The meeting in Canberra on 6 March 2025 found no clear pathway forward with federal government officials citing election timing for the holdup on a decision about whether to buy the port lease back from Chinese-owned company Landbridge.
While Landbridge’s parent company has been in financial difficulties Darwin Port insists it is performing well and is not for sale.
The Canberra meeting had been prompted by Labor’s Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling, a long time opponent of Chinese ownership of the port lease, who had suggested the federal government could be interested in buying out Landbridge.
In a media release today, NT infrastructure minister, Bill Yan, said the meeting had shown Mr Gosling had no influence within his own government party room.
“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,” Mr Yan said.
“Despite his grandstanding over the past week, it is clear his own government is not ready to support him.
“Territorians deserve certainty about the future of Darwin Port but today were left with none.”
Mr Yan said Darwin Port was essential to the Territory’s economy, supporting trade, industry, and jobs, while also playing a key role in Australia’s strategic defence and regional security.
“However, uncertainty over its future — exacerbated by Landbridge’s recent financial disclosures — continues to raise concerns about its long-term stability. “While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had no hesitation in assisting Whyalla to secure sovereign steel production, there is no plan when it comes to Darwin Port, an asset of equal sovereign importance.
“If the federal government is serious about securing Darwin Port’s future, it’s time a plan is put on the table and provide certainty for Territorians, businesses, and our economy.”
