The latest CommSec State of the States report hereproves what Territorians are seeing under the Finocchiaro CLP Government - the Territory is on the move, delivering growth, opportunity and a strong future.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the NT is now leading the nation on population growth, a key driver of economic strength and lifestyle, and recording the fastest economic growth in Australia at 10.2 per cent, nearly triple the next best, the ACT up 3.6 per cent.
"Since coming to government just 11 months ago, we've rolled up our sleeves and delivered. This report proves our plan to rebuild the economy is working," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
The NT recorded the strongest population growth in the nation, with annual growth of 1.21 per cent, up 66 per cent on the decade average.
In annual growth rates, the NT was the strongest performer in the country, up 5.5 per cent, leading the nation.
The Territory has climbed from fifth to third on overall rankings, driven by robust business investment and construction activity, strong growth in new home approvals with a 15 per cent increase compared to last year.
Mrs Finocchiaro said Labor failed Territorians for decades - 19 of the last 23 years - and even tried to downplay this data because it shows what they couldn't achieve.
"Labor left the Territory with the weakest economy in the nation and no plan to fix it," she said.
"Former Labor Chief Minister Michael Gunner even tried to discredit CommSec saying it wasn't worth the paper it was written on.
"Labor knew it highlighted their incompetence and had no idea how to manage the economy after the INPEX boom, and Territorians paid the price."
The turnaround is being delivered through the CLP's Rebuilding the Economy Strategy, focused on five key areas - tourism, agriculture, defence, mining, and energy, making the NT the best place to do business, building a bigger, better workforce, unlocking regional growth, connecting the Territory and delivering for Australia.
"Increased migration, major infrastructure projects and a clear jobs pipeline show why more Australians are choosing the Territory to live, work, invest and build their future," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"This is our year of action - to rebuild the economy, provide certainty for businesses and lock in security for Territorians," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
The message is clear: The Territory is growing, our economy is strengthening, and our future has never looked brighter.
