LANDBRIDGE has escalated its standoff with the Commonwealth over the future of Darwin Port, lodging a formal dispute under the China–Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) and warning the government against taking any action that would affect its 99‑year lease while the matter is before an international tribunal.
In a statement published on 1 May, the company said it considered the Commonwealth’s proposed approach to return the port to Australian hands to be “discriminatory and inconsistent with Australia’s obligations under ChAFTA”.
Landbridge said it had acquired the port through a “fair, open and competitive process” and that multiple Australian government reviews had confirmed there were no national‑security concerns.
“Having engaged with the Commonwealth in an effort to reach a constructive resolution, Landbridge has regrettably been unable to achieve a satisfactory outcome through dialogue alone and is now taking the necessary steps to protect its legal rights.
“Having commenced a formal dispute under ChAFTA, Landbridge expects the Commonwealth to refrain from taking any action adverse to Landbridge's interests pending the resolution of that dispute, and to, consistent with international rules, afford Landbridge the full opportunity to have its claim heard and determined in the appropriate legal forum,” the statement said.
Landbridge said it would continue to operate Darwin Port “to the highest standards” while the dispute proceeds, with day‑to‑day operations managed locally as the board handles the legal process.
The company also reaffirmed its willingness to continue engaging with the Commonwealth.