Darwin Major Business Group

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.

Migration policy must work for the Territory we need to build. In a published letter, Darwin Major Business Group Chair Sam Jeffries makes the case for national migration settings that recognise the Northern Territory’s distinct economic, workforce and population needs. The Territory needs people to deliver essential services, sustain our communities and support long-term economic growth. Settings designed to address pressures in our largest cities must also recognise those needs. Training and employing Territorians must remain central. Skilled migration complements that effort, helping address workforce gaps while we strengthen local capability. DMBG urges all political parties to support skilled-worker pathways, working-holiday arrangements that meet regional needs, and opportunities for international graduates to build their futures here. This matters across our economy, from tourism and construction to aged care and other essential services. Growing our population also requires coordinated investment in housing, infrastructure and services. Planning must be grounded in realistic workforce demand and project timing, recognising that every announced investment will not necessarily proceed. The goal is lasting local jobs, stronger communities and a Territory where people choose to build their lives.