DARWIN AIRPORT WANTS TO CHARGE AFP RENT

DARWIN Airport’s pennypinching bosses have sparked an almighty blue with the Federal Government by launching an unprecedented move to make the Australian Federal Police and biosecurity agencies pay rent.

The Sunday Territorian can reveal the Morrison Government has been locked in a year-long dispute with Darwin Airport – primarily owned by industry super funds over the matter.

Documents seen by the Sunday Territorian reveal the airport’s chief executive Ian Kew is demanding $1.76 million for occupying areas of the international terminal from 2014 and June 2018.

The super fund-owned airport also wants the Government to sign up to a new ongoing lease agreement which sources believe will cost taxpayers about $1.4 million a year over the next decade.

Senior Government sources described the lease agreement as “unprecedented” with most major international air- ports allowing mandatory security staff to occupy areas free of charge.

In a letter to Border bosses, seen by the Sunday Territorian, Darwin International Airport (DIA) claims the rent being demanded represents “a heavy discount” on the amount it believes it is entitled to.

It is understood negotiations have broken down in recent months after the airport threatened “legal proceedings” against the Government.

Darwin Airport is owned by IFM Investors, an industry super-backed investment fund chaired by former ACTU assistant secretary Garry Weaven and its board includes former Labor minister Greg Combet.

The Morrison Government refused to comment on the dispute but a senior Government source said: “we won’t be shaken down for doing our job to keep Australians safe.”

In a statement, DIA chief executive Mr Kew said “paying rent is commonplace for government agencies”.

“Darwin International Airport are (sic) seeking to establish a formal legal agreement. Depending on the area’s specific use, we would offer rentfree space for some areas and seek rent for other areas they occupy,” he said.

Mr Kew said the Government should be able to cover the cost with the $60-per-person Passenger Movements Charge paid by airlines for all international departing passengers over the age of 12.

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