Darwin Major Business Group

The Territory’s next investment cycle needs preparation now. The latest CommBank State of the States report presents a mixed picture for the Northern Territory: the strongest household consumption growth nationally and second strongest dwelling investment, alongside the weakest business investment performance. For DMBG, these results reinforce the need for a sustained pipeline of investment across the Territory economy. As major projects move from construction into production, their contribution changes. Export earnings can increase while construction spending falls. For local businesses, continuity of work matters: it supports decisions to retain staff, take on apprentices and invest in equipment. Building that continuity requires coordinated action across government and industry. Clear approval timeframes, serviced industrial land, reliable energy, transport connections, housing and workforce development all help turn proposed projects into operating businesses. That preparation needs to support investment across resources, defence, tourism, agribusiness, logistics and emerging industries - and help Territory businesses compete for the opportunities they create. DMBG’s forthcoming Beetaloo Development Outlook will contribute to this discussion, focusing on the next ten years and how the Territory can prepare for development. The decisions made now will shape how much of that opportunity translates into local contracts, enduring jobs and stronger communities. Click here to read CommBank’s analysis. Note: CommBank has revised the report’s methodology. Results from this edition are not directly comparable with the previous CommSec series.

Darwin Major Business Group welcomes the announcement that Calvary Health Care is set to become the new operator of Darwin Private Hospital , and its commitment to restoring private maternity services. Several months ago, DMBG highlighted the importance of maternity services to Darwin’s future. Access to dependable healthcare and maternity care helps give families the confidence to make the Territory their long-term home. That matters to our economy. When people consider moving to Darwin, accepting a job or staying to raise a family, access to healthcare sits alongside housing, schooling and employment opportunities in that decision. Territory employers have a direct interest in getting those foundations right. A sustainable private hospital, working alongside a strong public health system, supports patient choice and the healthcare capacity our growing community needs. We acknowledge the Northern Territory Government’s efforts to secure the return of private maternity services, and the hospital staff and clinicians who have continued caring for Territorians through considerable uncertainty. Restoring services will take planning, people and time. The next step is a clear plan for delivery, giving families and health professionals confidence about what will be available and when. Building the Territory’s economy means investing in the services that help people build their lives here.