Darwin Port Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                         2 November 2026

Darwin Port confirms business as usual during protected industrial action

The Maritime Union of Australia Division of the CFMEU and Australian Maritime Officers Union have issued notices to Darwin Port concerning their members intention to take certain protected industrial action.

Darwin Port reassures port users and the wider community that port services, including cargo operations and vessel movements, will continue with minimal interruption during any proposed protected industrial action. Darwin Port is well placed to manage the impacts of any action.

The proposed industrial action follows enterprise agreement negotiations during which Darwin Port put forward a competitive offer that includes annual wage increases recognising cost-of-living pressures.

Darwin Port considers its offer fair and reasonable, which was agreed in principle by employees in mid-June this year.

Darwin Port CEO Peter Dummett said, while we recognise the important contribution our employees make to the port; Darwin Port considers that the contemplated industrial action is unnecessary and disproportionate in the circumstances. 

“Our team is well-remunerated and enjoys excellent working conditions, with union engagement only occurring during agreement bargaining periods.”

“Darwin Port’s priority remains ensuring operations continue efficiently, safely and with minimal disruption and we will engage with stakeholders directly to address any concerns” he said.

“We remain open to constructive discussions with employees and the unions to resolve the outstanding issues and reach agreement,” said Mr Dummett.

Notices of protected industrial action from the AMOU and MUA

The notices detail the following actions:

• Work stoppages:
  • 7 November - 24 stoppages of work of 1 hour’s duration each, taken consecutively, commencing at 12:01 am
  • 8 November - stoppages of work of 4 hours’ duration each, taken consecutively, commencing at 12:01am
  • 9 November - 2 stoppages of work of 12 hours’ duration each, taken consecutively, commencing at 12:01 am
  • 10 November - 24 stoppages of work of 1 hour’s duration each, taken consecutively, commencing at 12:01 am
  • 11 November - 1 stoppage of 24 hours commencing at 12:01 am
• Ban on non-rostered overtime: starting on Saturday 7 November, with no end date. 

Darwin Port respects the right of employees to participate in lawful protected industrial action. Our priority remains ensuring the safe, secure and efficient operation of the port.

Media Contact: Peter Dummett

Phone:  +614 01 117 056

Email: media@darwinport.com.au