New Defence Industry Council established to grow defence jobs and local industry.
Eight-member council to advise the Chief Minister and champion Territory capabilities to drive defence investment.
Strengthening advocacy to position the Territory as a national defence and maritime sustainment hub.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has established a new Defence Industry Council to drive defence investment, grow local industry and provide a strong, coordinated voice advocating for increased defence activity across the Northern Territory.
With Australia and the United States continuing to invest in critical defence infrastructure in the Northern Territory, the Council will ensure the Territory is well positioned to capture and sustain this growth, translating it into local jobs, business opportunities and long-term economic security for Territorians.
Comprised of eight Territory-based members with strong industry expertise, the Defence Industry Council will report directly to the Chief Minister and provide coordinated, high-level advice to grow the Territory's defence sector and maximise local participation in major defence projects.
Chief Minister and Minister for Defence NT Lia Finocchiaro said defence investment delivers real economic benefits for Territorians.
"Defence isn't just about national security, it's about economic security for Territory families," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"In our year of growth, certainty and security, this is about growing a piece of the pie and strengthening the Territory's role in Australia's national defence.
"Right now, around 90 cents in every defence dollar spent in the Territory goes directly to local businesses, and we want to grow that even further because it is quite literally putting food on people's tables."
The establishment of the Council comes as the Northern Territory Government develops a new Northern Territory Defence Strategy, which will set clear priorities and adopt a campaign-based approach to maximise opportunities arising from the Territory's strategic importance. The Strategy is being developed in consultation with the Defence Industry Council and broader industry, drawing on the expertise of the DefenceNT Strategy Group to ensure it reflects the needs and strengths of the local sector.
The Chief Minister will release the new Northern Territory Defence Strategy during NT Defence Week, to be held in Darwin from 27 April to 1 May 2026.
The Council will champion the Northern Territory as a national defence hub, advocating for Darwin to become the Army's primary centre for littoral basing, maintenance and logistics, while reaffirming the city's role as a strategic maritime sustainment hub and home port for minor vessels.
This vision is further supported by the recently announced Northern Marine Complex, including the Darwin Ship Lift and Marine Industry Park, which will unlock new defence sustainment capability, attract private investment and create significant opportunities for local businesses and skilled workers.
In a recent visit, United States Senator Kaine, chair of the Armed Services Committee, discussed the Northern Marine Complex with the Chief Minister and met with the Territory Coordinator to discuss its capability.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Northern Territory plays a vital role in deepening the relationship between Australia and the United States.
"My visit to Pearl Harbor later this year to meet with Admiral Paparo will focus on strengthening investment, capability and long-term partnership between INDOPACOM and the Northern Territory," she said.
"By bringing government, industry and strategic expertise together, the Defence Industry Council will help secure the next generation of defence opportunities, delivering certainty for industry, growth for the economy and greater security for the Northern Territory and the nation."
Chief Executive Officer, Daniel McCormick from Industry Capability Network NT said the establishment of the Council is an important step in strengthening the Territory's defence industry.
"It creates a clear forum to align government and industry, support local businesses to scale, and ensure Territory businesses are well positioned to secure long-term jobs and opportunities from defence investment."
The following members have been appointed to the Council:
Chief Executive Officer, Ms Sallyann Innes, Master Builders NTChief Executive Officer, Mr Glen Hingley, Chamber of Commerce NTChief Executive Officer, Mr Daniel McCormick, Industry Capability Network NTChair, Mr Steve Margetic, Darwin Major Business GroupInterim Committee President, Ms Georgia Davey, Australian Industry and Defence Network NTGeneral Manager, Mr Jimmy Kiploks, Defence NTTerritory Coordinator, Mr Stuart KnowlesChief Executive Officer, Ms Hayley Richards, Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
