The Territory Labor Government today delivered the 2020 Budget. The Budget focuses on protecting Territorians, putting jobs first and kick-starting the Territory's economic recovery.
Budget 2020 ensures the Territory can stay the safest place in Australia by continuing to invest in our frontline response to COVID-19. The Budget also helps unleash small business as the Territory's most important job-creators, and starts implementing the initial recommendations of the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission.
Budget 2020 continues to protect the Territory by providing $120 million in funding to keep winning the fight against the coronavirus. This includes:
- $63 million to operate and maintain our gold-standard quarantine facilities, as well as infrastructure upgrades to border checkpoints and the Emergency Operations Centre
- $26 million for the frontline health response such as screening and testing, support at quarantine facilities, and operational costs like personal protective equipment
- $10.5 million for police to maintain their presence on our borders and in our communities – in addition to the $20 million previously committed for this financial year, to boost recruits.
Budget 2020 kick-starts our economic recovery with the Territory's Jobs First Plan – to protect existing jobs, create new jobs, and prepare Territorians for the jobs of the future. Initiatives include:
- The JobMaker Booster – to supplement and extend the Commonwealth's JobMaker hiring credit ($7.8 million)
- The Roadhouse to Recovery Fund – to help upgrade infrastructure and amenities at roadhouses and wayside inns ($4 million)
- The Territory Small Business Saver Grant – to help businesses reduce their ongoing costs ($5 million)
- The Territory Small Business Customer Experience Grant – to help small businesses looking to enhance their customer experience ($5 million)
- The Territory Small Business Pivot Grant – to help businesses adapt to the new economic environment ($4 million)
- The Territory Small Business Financial Fitness Fund – helping businesses improve their financial knowledge and sustainability ($2 million)
- The Territory Small Business Supply Chain Solver – to help find solutions to supply chain issues affecting Territory businesses ($2 million)
- The Get SET in the NT program – supporting school leavers to study in the Territory, earn in the Territory, and train in the Territory ($5.2 million).
