THE FEDERAL Government has declined to reveal progress on the proposed buy-back of the Port of Darwin lease from China’s Landbridge, citing the sensitivity of negotiations.
Infrastructure minister Madelaine King was challenged by journalists at a Canberra press conference this morning [4 November], after Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro earlier called for action on the pre-election promises made by both major parties.
Ms Finocchiaro said Territorians wanted “action, certainty and security” and this couldn’t occur “while this huge question hangs in the balance.
“We are ready to work constructively with the Federal Government but they need to get their skates on. There are plenty of options out there and they just need to get moving and make a decision.”
In Canberra a journalist asked Minister King:“It sounds like the negotiations with Landbridge over the Port of Darwin have hit a bit of a stalemate.
“We're seeing in Landbridge’s latest ASIC filing that they've started, however, to bolster the balance sheet. Can you give us an update? Are you confident that you'll be able to come to an agreement with Landbridge and they'll be able to find a buyer, or are we going to end up in a messy, compulsory acquisition situation?”
Ms King said she was constrained about what she can say about the subject: “We're having constructive discussions with Landbridge, and really, I'm not going to comment further on the Port of Darwin acquisition at this time.”
The journalist pointed out it was an election commitment and asked if a sale would take place by the time of the next election?
“Again, we're in sensitive discussions at the moment, and I'm not going to comment further,” Ms King replied. “They're important discussions. The Commonwealth's made it clear what it wants to do and we won’t comment further at this time.”
Landbridge and the Port of Darwin have repeatedly asserted they have no interest in selling the lease.