The Finocchiaro CLP Government is making it clear: the development of northern Australia is a national priority, and the Northern Territory is ready to lead.
Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley is in Cairns for the Developing Northern Australia Conference, where he is highlighting the Territory's vital role in delivering energy security, strengthening trade, and driving national resilience through gas, minerals, agriculture, defence and tourism - all key pillars of the Rebuilding the Economy Strategy 2025.
This year's theme Securing Australia's Future by Driving Northern Development speaks directly to the Territory's leadership in driving strategic economic and population growth and unlocking projects of national importance.
"The development of northern Australia is not optional, it's essential," said Mr Maley.
Deputy Chief Minister Maley is among a host of keynote speakers, including:
Dr Beth Cookson, Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry;Professor Scott Bowman AO, Vice-Chancellor of Charles Darwin University and Chair of the Northern Australia Universities Alliance;Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, WA Minister for Regional Development;Craig Doyle, CEO of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF);Clare Gardiner-Barnes, Commissioner of Infrastructure Australia;Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia;Hon. Dale Last, Queensland Minister for Natural Resources, Manufacturing and Regional Development; andSenator Susan McDonald, Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia.
Mr Maley said the Finocchiaro CLP Government's Rebuilding the Economy Strategy outlines five key priorities to accelerate growth: make the Territory the best place to do business, build a bigger and better workforce, deliver for Australia, unlock regional growth, and connect the Territory.
"With Darwin closer to Jakarta and Singapore than to Sydney or Melbourne, the Northern Territory is Australia's most direct gateway to Asia, a strategic position that makes us critical to strengthening trade, energy security and national defence.
"But we can't do it alone, Northern Australia needs the investment, infrastructure and policy certainty to reach its full potential."
"Our government continues to advocate strongly in Canberra for migration and taxation reforms, working alongside our counterparts in North Queensland and North West Australia."
"We are proud to stand with Queensland and Western Australia to ensure the voice of the north is heard, loud and clear, in the national conversation."
"From Beetaloo gas and Nolans rare earths to cattle exports across Asia and nation-building defence infrastructure, we're unlocking strategic projects that deliver real outcomes for the Territory and for the country," he said.
"We're making the Territory the easiest place in Australia to do business by cutting red tape, fast-tracking approvals, and backing investment-ready projects through the Territory Coordinator and Approvals Fast Track Taskforce."
"The message is clear: the Territory is open for business - and we're pulling ahead."
