SYDNEY: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned on Friday (Apr 4) his authorities was engaged on a plan for Australian superannuation companies to purchase the strategically positioned Darwin port from its Chinese language proprietor on nationwide curiosity grounds.
Then US President Barack Obama criticised the sale of the industrial port on a 99-year lease to Chinese language firm Landbridge in 2015. Round 2,000 US Marines train for six months of the yr within the northern metropolis.
“We wish it to be in Australian fingers,” Albanese mentioned in a radio interview on ABC Darwin on Friday night.
“We desire that it’s via superannuation funds or another car that does not imply direct taxpayers, however we’re ready to go down the street of taxpayer direct involvement as properly,” he mentioned.
Amid an election marketing campaign, Albanese mentioned his rival, Liberal chief Peter Dutton, was anticipated to announce on Saturday his occasion would purchase again the port if elected.
Albanese mentioned his authorities had been engaged on a plan for the port to be bought to “Australian fingers” for a while, together with chatting with potential consumers.
“If it reaches some extent the place the Commonwealth must immediately intervene, then we would be ready to do this,” he mentioned.
Australia is build up its northern navy bases, which is able to host US bombers and fighter jets on a rotational foundation, because it will increase defence cooperation with america.
“We stay in an unsure world in the mean time, the concept that you’d have the main port in northern Australia owned by any international curiosity just isn’t in Australia’s nationwide curiosity,” Albanese mentioned.
Landbridge mentioned there had been no talks on the port.
“The port just isn’t on the market,” Terry O’Connor, Landbridge’s non-executive director in Australia, mentioned in an emailed assertion on Friday. “Landbridge and Darwin Port haven’t been concerned in any discussions with the Federal Authorities regarding our lease preparations.”
