The Labor government is actively seeking a buyer for the port of Darwin, despite the Chinese-owned company holding the lease insisting it is not for sale. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese disclosed this plan following a call to local Darwin radio, aiming to precede a similar announcement from the Coalition scheduled for the next day. Landbridge Group took over the port in 2015 after the Northern Territory government signed a $506m agreement amid financial difficulties, granting Landbridge full operational control. Albanese, during an interview with ABC Darwin, suggested that commercial negotiations should take place and that he might consider taxpayer involvement if necessary. The prime minister indicated two options: private ownership by an Australian company or returning it to government control, emphasizing the importance of it being “in Australian hands.” He criticized the previous sale by the Country Liberal party and argued that Landbridge has not invested enough in the port, which he believes is not being utilized enough for Darwin’s export potential. Albanese also mentioned that similar port owners in Australia, such as airports, are often owned by superannuation funds, benefiting the public’s savings. Meanwhile, the matter has been discussed with Northern Territory governments, but the company has not engaged in any discussions with the federal government regarding the lease. The Landbridge Group, however, confirmed that the port is not for sale, considering it a long-term investment with a recent record of operational performance. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton emphasized the strategic importance of the port’s operation by a trusted entity, given its proximity to the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, in the current geopolitical climate.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/apr/04/anthony-albanese-says-chinese-lease-port-of-darwin-should-return-to-australia