As part of its year of action, certainty and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to push for more skilled workers to come to the Territory with Minister for International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill to attend a Ministerial Migration Roundtable in Melbourne today.
The roundtable brings together National, State and Territory leaders to advance cooperation on Australia's migration planning and discuss migration policy and programs.
The Northern Territory economy is forecast to expand by 18.4% over the period 2025-2029. To achieve this economic growth, more than 14,000 workers are needed over the next five years to meet growth and service delivery demands.
Minister for International Education, Migration and Population, Robyn Cahill, said the roundtable was an important opportunity to advocate for better regional migration settings.
While the National Migration Program levels for 2025-2026 have been confirmed, full allocation for states and territory has yet to be agreed.
"I will be pushing that the Federal Government expedite this process, and that the Territory will be seeking an increase from last year's allocation," said Ms Cahill.
"Under our Rebuilding the Economy Strategy, we want to make the Territory the best place in the nation to live, work, visit and invest
"Migration plays an essential part in rebuilding the Territory's economy, boosting our population and restoring the Territory lifestyle.
"The Territory has ongoing workforce shortages, and it is critical that Territory businesses can find the workers they need now and into the future.
"The Northern Territory Government remains committed to prioritising jobs for Territorians first, then workers from interstate, before businesses seek workers from overseas."
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering an annual $2 million package over the next two years to attract workers and international students to the Northern Territory, with the funding for skilled migration programs, worker attraction, workforce development, retention activities, and to ensure timely processing of visa applications.
The Ministerial Migration Roundtable will be the first since the federal election.
