Fit for purpose regional migration settings to support long-term economic and population growth is critical to the future of the Northern Territory.With the Northern Territory economy is forecast to grow by 4.6 per cent per annum from 2028-2029 - growing a sustainable workforce through skilled migration is fundamental to realising these opportunities.The Finocchiaro CLP Government has put the case to the Australian Government of the importance of creating migration settings to support regional development, distributing visas based on need and demand.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government went to bat for the Northern Territory yesterday, with Minister International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill attending the national Ministerial Migration Roundtable in Melbourne to ensure the Territory's voice is heard in shaping Australia's migration system.
Minister Cahill used the forum to advocate for fit-for-purpose regional migration settings to support the Territory's growing economy, with projects like the Beetaloo Sub-basin and Nolans Rare Earths project delivering significant national benefit - but realising these opportunities depends on securing the skilled workforce to deliver them.
"Workforce shortages are being experienced across both public and private sectors, and it is critical that Territory businesses are supported to recruit the workforce they need now and into the future," Minister Cahill said.
"As a regional area with ongoing workforce shortages, it is important that we have programs in place that support population growth."
"Our Government is committed to prioritising jobs for Territorians first, supported by interstate worker attraction schemes, but where shortages are not able to be met from within our shores, it is critical businesses are supported to attract workers from overseas."
The Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue working with the Australian Government to design migration settings that deliver regional development and keep the Territory moving forward.
