THE PORT of Darwin has responded to media criticism of its financial performance and criticism from the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), which argued that high profits should be used to increase workers' pay rates.
The MUA also attacked port CEO Peter Dummett for attending the races at Flemington rather than focusing on resolving the port's industrial issues, something Mr Dummett has defended, saying it is part of his job.
A report by Ben Packham in The Australian said Darwin Port's profit had fallen by 65% as its owner, Landbridge, opposed a forced sale. Responding to the report, Landbridge Australia non-executive director Terry O'Connor said strong trade activity had helped deliver EBITDA of $36.3 million in FY2026.
He attributed the lower earnings to the winding down of construction work associated with the Barossa gas project, which was nearing completion.
"Landbridge was pleased with the strong FY2026 operational performance of $36.3 million in EBITDA, which confirms a structural change in the port's performance," Mr O'Connor said.
The FY2026 result was down from EBITDA of $42.3 million in FY2025.
Despite the year-on-year decrease, the company said continued strong activity through Darwin Port underpinned the result and demonstrated the strength of the port's core operations beyond major project-related work.
The comments came in response to an article in The Australian about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s trip to China for the APEC summit. The article said ‘the port’s future will loom’ over Mr Albanese during the visit. The federal government has repeatedly said it wants to remove the port from foreign ownership.
The port has also been facing industrial action from the MUA and the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU). The unions criticised Mr Dummett for attending the Melbourne Cup while alleging he was threatening to bring in strikebreakers ahead of industrial action scheduled for 7 November over an unresolved enterprise agreement.
A union statement said that with workers unanimously endorsing the protected industrial action, the CEO should be focused on settling the agreement, not attending a race-day event in Melbourne.
MUA deputy national secretary Warren Smith said the CEO's decisions showed a "serious failure of leadership and a breathtaking disregard for the workforce".
"While workers wait to resolve the agreement, their CEO went to the races. Now he's also trying to undermine the workers by calling union-busting strikebreakers. That tells you everything about management's priorities.
"The CEO should be putting the same effort into getting this agreement across the line as getting to the Melbourne Cup," Mr Smith said.
The unions' statement said Darwin Port had recorded EBITDA of $42.4 million, up from $34 million the previous year.
Workers are seeking annual wage increases of 5% over a four-year agreement, a $5000 sign-on payment and improved superannuation contributions.
AMOU industrial officer Renee Ker said workers had approached negotiations reasonably and had done everything possible to resolve the agreement without disrupting port operations.
"Our members did not set out wanting a fight. The MUA and AMOU worked collectively from the beginning, substantially reduced our claims and entered an in-principle position genuinely believing we were heading towards an agreement.
"Darwin Port proceeded to a vote without the support of either union while drafting issues remained unresolved. The agreement was rejected and the port's response has been to refuse backpay and effectively tell employees that they must bear the financial consequences."
The MUA said the workers' decision to take industrial action should be a wake-up call for Darwin Port's leadership. "If the CEO wants to back a winner, he should back his workforce."
In response, Mr Dummett said that as CEO, he took his responsibilities to the business, employees, port users and stakeholders very seriously.
"This is a continuous 24/7 commitment that extends beyond normal working hours, regardless of physical location," Mr Dummett said.
"As CEO, I actively promote and encourage business and trade opportunities within the Northern Territory with the goal of increasing trade through Darwin. My recent interstate trip was no different. Travel was predominantly business-focused, involving meetings with national shipping companies and attendance at forums on maritime security.
"Technology has radically changed the way we work, including our ability to connect with customers, staff and other businesses, ultimately allowing us, as Territorians, to get out and promote all the trade and investment opportunities that are on offer within the Territory.
"Geographical location is no longer a barrier to maintaining effective communication and engagement. Ultimately, the expectation on me and the rest of the executive team is one of continued leadership and accountability rather than simply physical presence in a particular location."
Mr Dummett expressed disappointment that the industrial action was proceeding, saying Darwin Port had negotiated in good faith since March and reached an agreement in principle with employees and unions at an in-person meeting in mid-June.
"The actions of the unions since then are unnecessary and now costing the port staff money. Darwin Port remains committed to reaching an agreement. It has put a competitive offer forward and encourages the union to come to the table so that an agreement can be reached," Mr Dummett said.