Govt may seize Australian ports, PM warns states
Sunday, 19 August 2007
SYDNEY, Aug 18 (AFP): Australian Prime Minister John Howard today warned state governments he would seize control of the nation's ports unless they implemented reforms to reduce backlogs.
The government says exports have been hurt by delays at key ports, including at Newcastle north of Sydney and Dalrymple Bay in Queensland, as they struggle to meet surging demand for resources from Asia.
"We're not satisfied in relation to some of the ports as we are in relation to the others, and we will do whatever is necessary," Howard said.
"If the states come to the party and if the states run the ports more effectively-and in some states they are run more effectively-then there's no problem."
The government says exports have been hurt by delays at key ports, including at Newcastle north of Sydney and Dalrymple Bay in Queensland, as they struggle to meet surging demand for resources from Asia.
"We're not satisfied in relation to some of the ports as we are in relation to the others, and we will do whatever is necessary," Howard said.
"If the states come to the party and if the states run the ports more effectively-and in some states they are run more effectively-then there's no problem."