5 May 2026
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is boosting healthcare in the 2026 budget delivering more beds and upgrading health equipment.The 32-bed multipurpose ward is coming online by mid-year, and the 24-bed Mental Health Inpatient Unit will be ready later in the year.The CLP Government is helping Territorians live happier and healthier lives and having a strong health system is an import part of restoring our Territory lifestyle.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is boosting frontline healthcare delivering more beds and upgrading health equipment in a record $2.56 billion NT Health budget, an increase of $231.8 million.
Minister for Health Steve Edgington said the 2026 Budget was investing in more beds and better equipment to ease pressure and improve care for Territorians.
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering more beds to improve capacity and reduce the demand on the health system. Having a strong health system is an important part of restoring our unique Territory lifestyle.
"In the 2026 budget. we are securing the Territory's health system and delivering certainty with better healthcare for Territorians with more beds and more capacity.
"In our year of growth, certainty and security, the new 32 bed multipurpose ward is coming online soon by mid-year, and the 24-bed Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MHIU) will be ready later in the year, expected Q3 2026.
"We are providing additional funding in the health budget this year of $18.3m to open and operate the new 32 bed ward," Mr Edgington said.
The new 32-bed ward has been designed as a multipurpose ward to care for bariatric, renal and general patients.
Construction works for the new Mental Health Inpatient Unit building are progressing well with the internal fitout underway.
The MHIU will improve acute mental health service capacity in the Top End. The new facility will provide 18 inpatient beds, support services and a six bed Stabilisation Assessment and Referral Area (SARA).
The SARA will provide short-term care in a therapeutic environment for mental health clients who present to the emergency department and who may benefit from detailed assessment, management plans and referral to other providers for ongoing mental health care.
Also, in the 2026 Budget is an additional $10m for new equipment in our hospitals which includes a CT scanner for Tennant Creek.
Already announced was a $10m funding boost for St John Ambulance for an immediate boost in operations, while a five-year funding agreement is finalised, as well as 150 duress alarms for Emergency Department (ED) staff and a further $500,000 to improve the air-conditioning system at Royal Darwin Hospital.
The Chief Minister also signed the national health reform agreement earlier this year for the Northern Territory for our hospitals with an uplift of $152m in 2026 towards running our hospitals.
