Darwin Major Business Group

The Darwin Major Business Group welcomes the advocacy of Minister for International Education, Migration and Population, Robyn Cahill OAM MLA MBA , at the national Ministerial Migration Roundtable and the Territory Government‘s continued efforts to secure migration settings that better reflect the workforce needs of regional and Northern Australia. For many years, DMBG has argued that sustainable population growth, workforce availability and economic development are inseparable. As major projects such as the Beetaloo Basin , Nolans Rare Earths , defence investments, critical minerals developments and supporting infrastructure move forward, workforce availability will increasingly become a defining factor in the Territory’s ability to capture their full economic benefits. The Northern Territory cannot realise its growth potential without the people needed to build, operate and support these projects. While jobs should always be prioritised for Territorians and Australians wherever possible, the reality is that the Territory continues to face workforce shortages across a range of industries and professions. A one-size-fits-all national migration framework does not adequately reflect the challenges and opportunities of developing Northern Australia. DMBG supports the Territory Government’s call for fit-for-purpose regional migration settings that recognise workforce demand, support population growth and enable businesses to access the skills required to deliver projects of national significance. The question is no longer whether the Territory has economic opportunities. The question is whether Australia is prepared to provide the workforce settings necessary to realise them. Workforce, migration and population growth will be key themes advanced through DMBG’s Facing North engagement program in Canberra this September as part of a broader conversation about the future development of Northern Australia.

DMBG welcomes the Northern Territory Government’s announcement of $4.09 million in exploration grants supporting 34 projects across the Territory. While major project announcements often attract the headlines, exploration is where future economic growth begins. Today’s discoveries become tomorrow’s mines, processing facilities, infrastructure investments, export industries and regional employment opportunities. The Territory is increasingly demonstrating the depth and diversity of its resource potential, from critical minerals and rare earths to copper, gold, uranium and tungsten. Programs that encourage exploration and attract investment help ensure a strong pipeline of future development opportunities. Importantly, the inclusion of Territory Supplier Incentives also helps maximise local participation and economic benefit as projects progress. Combined with recent milestones across the resources sector, including the advancement of major projects and ongoing investment in enabling infrastructure, this announcement reinforces the Northern Territory’s position as one of Australia’s most prospective development regions. DMBG congratulates the Northern Territory Government and the successful grant recipients and looks forward to seeing these projects contribute to future jobs, investment and economic growth across the Territory. As DMBG prepares for its refreshed Facing North engagement program in Canberra later this year, announcements such as this demonstrate the importance of maintaining policy settings that support investment, exploration and long-term development in Northern Australia.