Western Australia is open to being the home of the nation's Antarctic program amid a stoush between the federal government and Tasmania over critical wharf upgrades.
Hobart is the current home of the program and port for Australia's $528 million resupply and scientific researcher icebreaker Nuyina.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek recently wrote to Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff citing concerns about stalled talks over upgrades to the wharf where Nuyina docks.