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
September 30, 2026
Growing visitor expenditure is welcome news for the Territory’s economy. Tourism Research Australia ’s latest figures show overnight visitor spending reached $2.36 billion in 2025-26, up 24%. Interstate overnight trips increased 7.1%, while international visits grew 9%. These are encouraging results for Territory tourism and hospitality operators, and for the many businesses that supply and support them. The benefits extend through accommodation, restaurants, retail, transport, events and local supply chains, creating opportunities in Darwin, regional towns and remote communities. DMBG recognises the operators and their teams whose investment and persistence underpin the visitor economy. The next step is to turn this spending growth into sustained business confidence, stronger profitability and year-round employment. Overall overnight trips remained broadly steady, so there is still work to do to broaden demand and encourage longer stays. Reliable and affordable air access, resilient roads, workforce availability and timely investment approvals all matter. Businesses need confidence to invest in better experiences, expand capacity and employ more Territorians. Tourism is an important part of a diverse Territory economy. These results give us something positive to build on.
September 30, 2026
The Territory’s next wave of major investment must deliver lasting benefits across our economy. Today’s NT News coverage of INPEX 's proposed Bonaparte carbon capture and storage project and Minister Gerard Maley MLA’s participation in the Energy Nation Forum in Sydney highlights the scale of the Territory’s opportunity. DMBG welcomes Minister Maley taking the Territory’s case directly to national industry leaders and policymakers. Ensuring the Beetaloo’s potential, and the infrastructure needed to realise it, is understood nationally is important for our economic future. These opportunities extend across construction, transport, logistics, engineering, training, accommodation and professional services, as well as the new industries that reliable energy and shared infrastructure could support. Realising those opportunities requires preparation now. DMBG’s Beetaloo Development Outlook examines what the Territory needs to do over the next decade to prepare for potential development and translate that investment into lasting economic benefits. Territory businesses are prepared to invest and take commercial risks, but their capacity to carry prolonged uncertainty is finite. They need confidence that the infrastructure, approvals and policy settings required for development will be in place. Governments have a practical role to play: accelerating approval decisions, removing unnecessary red and green tape, and coordinating investment in essential infrastructure. Rigorous environmental assessment can be delivered through clear requirements, coordinated processes and firm decision-making timeframes. Where high upfront costs prevent essential infrastructure from proceeding, governments should also consider targeted underwriting or co-investment, backed by a strong business case, appropriate risk sharing and demonstrable long-term public value. That confidence will help Territory businesses commit capital, build capacity and employ people. Preparation also means connecting training to emerging jobs and planning housing and services alongside workforce growth. Respectful partnerships with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal businesses must help shape how development proceeds and how benefits are shared. The Territory has an important contribution to make to national energy security. DMBG’s priority is to ensure that development also strengthens the economy here at home. Success should be measured by the lasting capability we build: stronger local businesses, meaningful employment and a more diverse and resilient Territory economy.
September 28, 2026
Darwin Major Business Group (DMBG) has elected Sam Jeffries as its new Chair at its Annual General Meeting in Darwin tonight. Mr Jeffries, Executive General Manager of VTG Services, succeeds Steve Margetic AM , a Director of Sitzler, who has served as Chair since 2024 and will remain on the DMBG Board. Elysia Billingham , Centre Manager of Casuarina Square with Sentinel Property Group, has been appointed Deputy Chair, filling the position previously held by Mr Jeffries. Kamal Ali , a Director of Kolsen, continues as Treasurer. DMBG congratulates its incoming executive and recognises the outgoing executive for its service and achievements. Mr Jeffries, Ms Billingham and Mr Ali will serve alongside continuing directors Steve Margetic AM, Vicki-Leigh Lettice , Rob Porter , Dan Richards and Peter Savoff . During Mr Margetic’s chairmanship, DMBG strengthened its role as an independent business voice on the Territory economy. It commissioned annual AEC economic analysis and developed its What the Territory Needs responses, giving business and government a practical basis for addressing barriers to growth. His tenure also saw DMBG transition to a company limited by guarantee in 2025, strengthen its governance and grow to 20 corporate members. The Group expanded its engagement with Territory and Commonwealth decision-makers on private investment, infrastructure, workforce, housing and opportunities for local businesses. DMBG also commissioned the member-funded Beetaloo Development Outlook, examining potential development over the next ten years and what the Territory needs to do to prepare. This work has progressed to member and stakeholder briefings ahead of a November launch. Mr Jeffries paid tribute to Mr Margetic’s contribution and the work of the outgoing executive. “Steve has given DMBG clear direction and a strong sense of purpose. He has encouraged members to put their experience and resources behind work that can help the whole Territory move forward,” Mr Jeffries said. “The independent economic reports and the Beetaloo Development Outlook are practical examples of that commitment. We thank Steve for his leadership and are pleased he will continue to contribute his experience on the Board.” Mr Jeffries said the incoming executive would build on that work with the continuing Board and members. “I am pleased to take on this role alongside Elysia and Kamal, supported by a Board whose members understand what it takes to invest, employ people and build businesses in the Territory.” “Our focus remains the whole Territory economy. We want investment to create lasting local jobs, stronger Territory businesses and opportunities for all Territorians, including Aboriginal Territorians.” Mr Margetic congratulated the incoming executive and thanked his fellow directors and members. “It has been a privilege to chair DMBG. What we have achieved has come from members being willing to contribute their time, knowledge and resources to the Territory’s future,” Mr Margetic said. “I congratulate Sam and Elysia on their appointments and thank Kamal for continuing as Treasurer. I look forward to supporting them and working with my fellow directors on the next stage of DMBG’s work.”
