The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to invest in the safety of all Territorians, committing an additional $7 million in ongoing funding to fully establish the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Service as a standalone agency.
The funding boost takes the agency's total budget to $86.8 million in 2025-26 and marks a significant milestone in its evolution, following its separation from the former tri-service model and the inclusion of Bushfires NT under recent Machinery of Government changes.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the new investment would allow NTFES to strengthen both its corporate and frontline operations to better protect Territorians.
"This investment marks the rebirth of NTFES as an independent, modern, and fit-for-purpose emergency management agency," said Mrs Finocchiaro.
"We are backing our frontline workers with the tools, training, and corporate support they need to keep Territorians safe, whether it's bushfires, floods or cyclones.
"This is about building a safer and more resilient Territory, and ensuring we have a strong, capable emergency service for the decades ahead.
"We promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security and this investment in NTFES in our government's first budget shows that's what we are delivering."
The new funding will support the foundational corporate workforce, including roles in governance, work health and safety, and finance, functions critical to ensuring frontline operations can run efficiently and effectively.
Key budget highlights for NTFES include:
Permanent establishment of a new Bushfires NT Barkly office, including two Fire Management Officers and two new grass fire units, delivering a dedicated bushfire response capability in the region for the first time.Establishing a foundational corporate workforce to strengthen long-term emergency management capacity across the Territory.Funding to meet legacy wage outcomes under enterprise bargaining agreements for firefighters.
Acting Commissioner for Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services, Collene Bremner, said the increased budget came at a pivotal moment for the agency as it continued to chart an independent course following last year's separation from the tri-service.
"The additional investment will enhance both our corporate and operational capacity, ensuring NT Fire and Emergency Services is well-positioned to support a safer, more resilient Northern Territory," said Ms Bremner.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government's investment ensures NTFES is well-positioned to lead Territory emergency management into the future, which will deliver action, certainty and security for staff, communities and the Territory as a whole.
