Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not outline Defence plans once access agreement expires in 99 year Port of Darwin lease

The PM has spoken about the controversial lease of the Port of Darwin, leaving Defence with a ticking clock to retain access to one of Australia’s biggest military towns.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NT Chief Minister visit the Charles Darwin University advanced manufacturing site on Saturday October 4.

The Prime Minister has not outlined how Defence will maintain access to one of Australia’s biggest military towns once a hidden clause in a controversial 99-year-lease kicks in.

Since 2015, the $506m lease of the Port of Darwin to Chinese-owned Landbridge Group has been at the centre of an eight year long debate over foreign ownership of national security assets.

Anthony Albanese’s office released a Federal Review into the lease two weeks ago, which found it was not necessary to vary or cancel it due to the “sufficient” and “robust” regulatory systems to risks to critical infrastructure.

While the 2015 lease does guaranteed Defence access to the port — including to fuel naval vessels and berth ships for mounting operations or exercises — this agreement only lasts for 25 years.

A 2016 Senate Inquiry raised concerns over the “significant disparity” between the 25-year Defence access clause and the lease which lasts until 2114.

During Mr Albanese's visit to Darwin on the way to China he was asked how Defence was preparing for the remaining 74 years of the lease.

But he would not confirm if there were any plans to secure Defence access or build an alternative port at Darwin to prepare for the agreement expiring in fewer than 17 years.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Solomon MP Luke Gosling visit the Charles Darwin University advanced manufacturing site. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Zizi Averill

“If I'm Prime Minister in 25 years, you can come and ask me,” Mr Albanese said.

“I suggest to you that it is likely that the world is a different place in 25 years time than what it is now.”

Mr Albanese said he remained critical of the 2015 Port of Darwin agreement, while still defending the latest review.

“A government I lead wouldn’t have leased the Port of Darwin to any foreign interests,” he said.

“I sought advice as to whether any measures were required at this point in time and that advice came back saying that they weren't. So we stand by that.”

Landbridge has consistently refuted claims about the security risks posed by the lease, and said the debate was scaring off investors and derailing its 20-year plan to invest $155m in the port. Port of Darwin. Picture: Floss Adams

Landbridge has consistently refuted claims about the security risks posed by the lease, and said the debate was scaring off investors and derailing its 20-year plan to invest $155m in the port.

Mr Albanese said the latest review gave the Chinese-owned company some certainty to start investment.

It comes as the Defence Strategic Review repeated calls to the strengthening of “northern approaches” including Darwin, stating previous recommendations to improve the network of military bases, ports and barracks had not been implemented.

Originally published as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not outline Defence plans once access agreement expires in 99 year Port of Darwin lease