The Finocchiaro CLP Government will provide a record $2.33 billion NT Health budget to deliver safe and high-quality health services for Territorians.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Alcohol Policy Steve Edgington said the budget for NT Health provided an increase of $273 million from $2.06 billion in 2024.
"Under Labor, NT Health's budget deficit had grown to regularly exceed $300 million per annum and was left unaddressed. For example, in the 2024 Budget there was a time limited, one-off $120 million funding arrangement due to expire next month," said Mr Edgington.
The CLP Government had to address the 2025 NT Health budget shortfall with no immediate revenue prospects to offset the costs.
"It is ridiculous to contemplate how the NT Health budget has been left in this state, especially as the costs to deliver health services nationally continue to rise," he said.
"Labor had not provided any funding for the future to address NT Health's budget deficit and ensure essential health services were funded for our doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who provide a critical service."
Mr Edgington said the responsibility for NT Health's funding deficit was shared between the former Labor Territory Government and the Australian Government.
"We have been able to address some of the shortfall with $100 million ongoing funding to ensure the NT Government's contribution to health services here in the Territory are properly funded," he said.
"This ongoing funding will assist hospitals and health services across the Territory to continue to operate, and not suddenly grind to a halt next month."
In addition, the CLP Government has advocated for and secured an additional $103 million from the Australian Government for 2025 while negotiations are finalised for the five-year extension of the National Health Reform Agreement.
"The Australian Government shortfall equates to $200 million per annum for hospital funding when compared to the funding received by other states and we will continue to advocate for our fair share in this five-year agreement," said Mr Edgington.
"This is a good step forward, but more is needed to provide for the healthcare of all Territorians."
The Northern Territory Government covers the cost of emergency aeromedical retrievals across the Top End and the operation of half the remote health clinics, whereas the Australian Government funds these services in other jurisdictions.
"We need to make sure the newly elected Australian Government answers for these inequities in funding, as well as ensures the promised 120-bed aged care facility in Darwin is delivered," said Mr Edgington.
"Our CLP Government promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security and that is what we are addressing in the NT Health budget 2025.
"It's about making the right decisions now to put the Territory on a stronger footing for the future as we take action to deliver high quality health care for all Territorians and support and strengthen our frontline services."
Key health investments in 2025-26 include:
$1.54 billion for hospital services.$313.4 million for primary health care.$135 million for mental health, including $16.5 million to operate the new mental health ward at Royal Darwin Hospital providing improved services for patients and reducing bed-block in the emergency department.$60.3 million for alcohol and other drugs services.
