Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed into the discussions yesterday.

“We (Labor) wouldn’t have sold it in the first place,” he said.

The Darwin Port has been leased to Chinese operators Landbridge since 2015, under a 99-year deal worth $506 million, signed by the then-NT Country Liberal government.

The territory government says it has been engaging with federal counterparts since November 2024, looking at options to secure the port’s future, with the conversations taking place amid reports of potential financial difficulties at Landbridge.

Federal Labor MP for Solomon Luke Gosling, a keen supporter of a buyback, has proposed a public-private partnership using federal funding.

“I’ve been engaged with a number of potential buyers that have had interest to secure the port back into Australian hands,” he said.

However, Northern Territory Treasurer Bill Yan says the federal government needs to end the uncertainty it has created over the port’s future.

“It’s time for Anthony Albanese to stump up if he’s going to do it, put up the money; they have done it in Whyalla, so why can’t they do it for the port here in Darwin,” he said.

However, a potential return to Australian hands doesn’t come cheap. According to earlier reports, Landbridge was willing to sell the lease for $1.3 billion – almost $800m more than it paid 10 years ago.

However, Landbridge insists the port is not for sale.

“We need to take action to make sure that the port is there for Territorians because it is a strategic asset, of course, for the nation, more so it is an economic asset and driver for the Territory,” Yan said.

“Without the port operating at 100 per cent, we’re not going to be able to drive our economy.”

Gosling says while the $1.3b price tag isn’t commercially viable, negotiations could take place.

“I am confident that the deal can go ahead with a willing seller – a deal that offers a strong return on investment to Landbridge while not being commercially risky to the buyer is what could get a deal across the line,” he said.

The talks come at a crucial time, with Chinese navy vessels operating near Australia and a call for a federal election date looming.