NT Government wants Feds to put up cash to buy Darwin Port

The Northern Territory Government is sending representatives on a mission to Canberra to that could see the Federal Labor Government put up the cash to buy the Port of Darwin from Chinese operators Landbridge.

Port of Darwin entrance. Picture: Floss Adams

The Northern Territory Government is sending representatives on a mission to Canberra to that could see the Federal Labor Government put up the cash to buy the Port of Darwin from Chinese operators Landbridge.

Ultimately it will be a case of stump up or shut up, laid on the table for the Albanese Government and its federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling.

Mr Gosling has long been an outspoken critic of the current port lease and has made no secret of his desire for his government to cancel the “stupid” lease and the strategic asset returned to Australian hands.

CLP Northern Territory Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said if funding for Darwin Port is a priority for Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, he should be clear about that to all Territorians.

Mr Yan, who is also the Treasurer, has thrown down the challenge for Labor’s federal Member for Solomon to deliver for the Territory.

“Given the Member for Solomon Luke Gosling’s public commentary, the Federal Government must now end the uncertainty they have created on the future of Darwin Port,” Mr Yan said.

“The Member for Solomon has proposed a public-private partnership involving federal funding.

Darwin Port. Picture: Che Chorley

“We have seen the Albanese Government have no hesitation in bailing out Whyalla, and they need to show the same expediency in getting this matter resolved.

“The Northern Territory Government will continue engaging in good faith with the Federal Government, and our priority is to ensure the best deal for the Territory in the national interest.

“The Finocchiaro CLP Government has been engaging with the Federal Government since November 2024 looking at options for Darwin Port.

“We will take all steps necessary to secure its future.

“Agency representatives are heading to Canberra for a meeting on Thursday, and they have been given a very clear Territory-first directive.”

In 2015 the then CLP-led Territory government awarded Chinese-owned Landbridge Group a $506m bid to lease the port for 99 years.

Since then, concern has been expressed across different government, defence and private sectors that the lease could open the strategically located port to national security risks.

The Darwin Port is critical to the Territory’s economic development and is a significant national security asset.

Originally published as NT Government wants Feds to put up cash to buy Darwin Port