Darwin Major Business Group

There’s something compelling about global technology with a stro ng Darwin anchor. This week, members of the Darwin Major Business Group (DMBG) heard from Steve Camilleri , who shared insights as a co-founder of SPEE3D, a company taking advanced manufacturing from Australia to the world, while keeping Darwin firmly in its sights. SPEE3D is leading in metal additive manufacturing through its cold spray technology, enabling the rapid production of large, durable metal parts, often in remote and constrained environments, including war zones. It’s a capability that reduces reliance on complex supply chains and allows for on-demand manufacturing where it’s needed most. For the Northern Territory, the opportunities are significant. As the Beetaloo Basin develops, and as defence activity continues to scale in Northern Australia, the ability to manufacture critical components locally, quickly and reliably, becomes a strategic advantage. From maintaining equipment in remote operations to supporting defence readiness in the north, this is exactly the kind of capability that underpins a resilient, modern economy. Equally important is Steve’s commitment to Darwin, as a place to invest time, energy and business focus. With his family based here, there is a genuine desire to see Darwin play a central role in the company’s future. That matters, because building the Territory’s next phase of growth will rely on exactly this combination of global capability, local commitment, and a willingness to back the north.  DMBG thanks Steve for sharing his insights and looks forward to continuing the conversation on how technologies like this can help ‘get the Territory ready’.

The Northern Territory cannot afford to send mixed signals to investors. The Beetaloo Basin is a once-in-a-generation opportunity; one that has the potential to reshape the Territory’s economy, strengthen national energy security, and unlock billions in private investment. That opportunity depends on one thing above all else: confidence. That is why the Darwin Major Business Group supports the Hon Lia Finocchiaro MLA, Chief Minister of the NT's position on opposing a new gas export tax. For a developing basin like Beetaloo, still competing globally for capital, policy instability is not a marginal issue, it is a determining factor. Investment decisions are made over decades and capital flows to jurisdictions that are stable, predictable, and aligned in their policy intent. The NT must be that jurisdiction. At the end of the day this is not about politics, it is about getting the fundamentals right: Backing private sector investment Enabling large-scale project development Creating long-term jobs and workforce pathways Delivering the infrastructure that underpins growth DMBG has been clear - we need to get the Territory ready, and as we progress our national engagement program later this year, including targeted discussions in Canberra, these are the settings we will continue to advocate for: Policy certainty for emerging energy provinces Recognition of the NT’s unique economic context A coordinated national approach to unlocking northern Australia The Territory has the opportunity and now we must ensure the settings match the ambition.