The timeline for selling WA's largest port still appears uncertain, with Premier Colin Barnett doubtful the sale can be completed in this term of government.

WA Treasurer Mike Nahan last month indicated the sale process for Fremantle Port would start in July or August.

He later revised that to September or October.

But Premier Colin Barnett has been consistently more conservative in his assessment and maintained the complexity of the deal made a sale by the March 2017 election unlikely.

"Fremantle Port has got a lot of complexities to it," Mr Barnett said.

"The legislation is yet to be introduced into Parliament. I think there'll be long debates in both houses.

"And then you've actually got the sale process. I think it would be difficult to complete that before the election.

"I admire Mike Nahan's ambition and enthusiasm to get it done, but I think it's going to be difficult."

The Government is experiencing internal tensions with its alliance partner, the WA Nationals, over the sale who are concerned about port access and pricing arrangements for stock and grain.

Those concerns have been acknowledged by Dr Nahan, who expressed confidence they could be resolved.

But the Premier said the complexity of the deal would slow things down.

"It's a lease, not a long term sale," he said.

"But I just know from my own experience, these issues are complicated and in a pre-election year, it will be difficult to get all of that legislation through," he said.

Racing industry not yet sold on TAB sale

Mr Barnett contrasted the Fremantle Port transaction with other planned asset sales, including the Utah Point multi-user berth at Port Hedland, and the proposed sale of the TAB.

He said in those cases, both were relatively simple deals.

"Compared to other privatisations, selling the TAB is pretty straight forward," he said.

"It's been done in every other state, and it's been uncomplicated."

The Government has been talking with industry since the TAB was added to the list of public assets for sale in last year's State Budget.

Racing Minister Colin Holt has met with industry representatives and potential purchasers, but racing representatives were holding out for a fully funded engagement process to ensure the long term future of the industry was protected.

Government advisers met with industry representatives again this week but Mr Barnett remained convinced the Government did not need to run a betting agency.

"Our role is to regulate gambling. To regulate the racing industry, not to actually be a participant," Mr Barnett said.

"The arguments to selling the TAB are convincing but we need to get a broad agreement and consensus within the racing sector."

Responding to questions after the Premier's remarks, Dr Nahan said the timing would be contingent on passing the legislation through Parliament.

"The big risk is Parliament. We have the numbers I hope, but in Parliament, you never know," he said.

Dr Nahan remained convinced the National Party would support the bill.

"There is legislation before Cabinet. There are three members of the National Party in Cabinet. Let's see what they do," he said.

"I'm confident the National Party will come through."