Federal, state and territory ministers for Northern Australia have met for the Northern Australia Ministerial Forum in Larrakia Country, Darwin, to discuss ways to build a strong Northern Australia, including issues on fuel security, insurance and research and development.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King chaired the forum and was joined by:
- Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians;
- The Hon Lia Finocchiaro, Northern Territory Chief Minister;
- The Hon Dale Last MP, Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines; Manufacturing; Regional and Rural Development;
- The Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Western Australian Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley;
- Senator the Hon Nita Green, Assistant Federal Minister for Tourism; Northern Australia; Pacific Island Affairs; and
- Luke Gosling OAM MP, Federal Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans' Affairs and Northern Australia.
Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation Senator Tim Ayres joined the forum to discuss the important role of research and development in driving Northern Australia's economic development.
Federal Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Dr Daniel Mulino also joined the forum to outline the cost of insurance as a vital issue and its unique impacts on communities and businesses across Northern Australia.
Australian Local Government Association Vice President, Councillor Darriea Turley AM, also delivered local government insights on workforce and skills in Northern Australia.
Ministers committed to work together to progress shared priorities and a collaborative workplan approach for Northern Australia to capitalise on opportunities and reduce barriers.
This is the sixth time the forum has convened since its re-establishment in 2022.
