Darwin Major Business Group

An independent voice on economic development in the Northern Territory.

Darwin Major Business Group (DMBG) brings together senior business leaders to contribute informed, constructive and long-term perspectives on the Territory’s economic future.

About DMGB

Darwin Major Business Group Ltd (DMBG) is an independent, member-based organisation established to provide a considered business perspective on the Northern Territory’s economic direction.


DMBG operates as a platform for collaboration, analysis and advocacy, with a focus on long-term economic outcomes for the Northern Territory.

Key Initiatives & Partnerships

AEC Economic Report

 Independent economic analysis of the Northern Territory

Facing North

National engagement on Northern Territory opportunity

Investment Summit 2025

Delivered in partnership with the Northern Territory Government

What We Do

Economic Analysis & Insight

DMBG supports evidence-based discussion through commissioned research and economic reporting on the Northern Territory.

Advocacy & Policy Engagement

We engage constructively with governments and decision-makers to inform policy settings that support sustainable economic growth.

Convening & Dialogue

DMBG fosters informed discussion on investment, workforce and development priorities involving business, government and the community.

Latest from DMBG

APA Group’s $920M pipeline investment highlights need for coordinated infrastructure

October 21, 2026
Infrastructure investment is essential to turning the Northern Territory’s resource potential into lasting economic growth. Darwin Major Business Group welcomes APA Group ’s final investment decision on the Bulloo Interlink Pipeline , committing a further $700 million alongside the $220 million already committed to early works. Supported by a five-year transport and storage agreement with Origin Energy , the project will help address constraints on moving gas from northern Australia to southern markets. For the Territory, this reinforces the importance of planning gas production, transport infrastructure and economic development together. As Beetaloo development progresses, we need coordinated investment in the pipelines, roads, housing and workforce capacity that will support it. We also need to ensure that development strengthens energy security and creates opportunities for industry here in the Territory. These are central considerations as DMBG prepares to launch the Beetaloo Development Outlook on 12 November. The opportunity is significant. Getting the Territory ready requires decisions and investment across the whole economy.

Planning reforms a positive step for Territory investment confidence

October 20, 2026
Investment confidence depends on clear rules, predictable decisions and timely approvals. Darwin Major Business Group welcomes the Northern Territory Government’s passage of legislation aimed at simplifying planning, building and property administration. Clearer building occupancy certification pathways, more efficient planning processes and electronic valuation notices are practical steps towards making it easier to invest and do business in the Territory. Unnecessary administrative delays add costs and uncertainty. Addressing them can help create the conditions for housing, business expansion and major project investment. We acknowledge Minister Joshua Burgoyne MLA and the Northern Territory Government for responding to industry feedback and progressing these changes. The next step is implementation. Success should be measured by clearer guidance, consistent decisions and demonstrably shorter processing times, while maintaining appropriate safeguards. For the Territory, the economic opportunity lies in turning a strong investment pipeline into projects delivered, businesses growing and sustainable jobs. DMBG supports continued practical reform that helps make that happen.

Proposed legislation to secure private maternity services in Darwin

October 15, 2026
Darwin Major Business Group strongly supports the Northern Territory Government’s proposed legislation to secure the return and ongoing provision of private maternity services at Darwin Private Hospital. We acknowledge Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Health Minister Steve Edgington for progressing this commitment, and Calvary Health Care ’s stated commitment to re-establishing these services. Along with community groups, DMBG has continued to advocated for a sustainable solution since raising the issue with the Health Minister in May 2025, highlighting the need to attract and retain families and the skilled workforce the Territory needs. Access to maternity care matters deeply to families. It also influences whether people accept a job in Darwin, stay in the Territory and choose to raise their children here. Healthcare, housing and education are fundamental to population growth and a stronger economy. The proposed requirement to include maternity and birthing services in the hospital’s licence is a welcome step towards greater certainty. The next priority is translating that commitment into a sustainable service, with the workforce, facilities and clear delivery timetable needed to give families confidence. We also recognise the public maternity teams who continue caring for Territory families. Strong public and private services working alongside each other will help meet our community’s needs.