Feds, NT clash over Darwin port superyacht industry dispute

A WAR of words has erupted between the NT and federal governments over the revocation of Darwin’s first point of entry status for superyachts

No, it’s your fault NT ... Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says the Territory Government should be ‘embarrassed’ it didn’t act sooner to ensure its ports were compliant. Picture Gary Ramage

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A WAR of words has erupted between the NT and federal governments over the revocation of Darwin’s first point of entry status for super-yachts, with Agriculture Minister David Littleproud saying the Territory Government should be “embarrassed” it didn’t act sooner to ensure its ports were compliant.

Mr Gunner on Thursday doubled down on claims made by Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler that the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment had told the Territory it had until April to make the Cullen Bay ferry pontoon compliant.

He said the Government was as angry as industry about the move, which has put Darwin’s multimillion-dollar superyacht industry at serious risk.

“We were not expecting this decision from Canberra. We were working towards an April date and we thought everything was hunky dory – so we’re not happy,” he told ABC Darwin.

It came a day after Ms Lawler shifted the blame for the stuff-up on to the Commonwealth and called on Mr Littleproud to intervene.

But Mr Littleproud said the blame-shifting was nonsense.

“My department made it clear to the NT Government that if they didn’t meet the December deadline for the biosecurity standards, the decision would be made for them,” he said.

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“Leaving gaps in Australia’s biosecurity is not an option. There is no exemption.

“Australia’s agricultural industries are an incredibly important source of the nation’s wealth.

“The Northern Territory Government has had ample time to do the work, they should be embarrassed that they didn’t.”