Michael Gunner
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
Media Release
Territory's Comeback to reflect Strengthened Ministerial titles
4 April 2022
The Northern Territory is the Comeback Capital, and will lead the charge nationally as the economy takes off.
The year ahead sees new investment, new jobs and new opportunities as we move from managing COVID-19 to living with it - and this means making sure the Territory is positioning itself as this country's best investment destination.
To strengthen and promote the importance of the Territory as Australia's number one investment, Chief Minister Michael Gunner today announced changes to the titles of our economic portfolios. It follows the creation last year of three new positions - an Investment Commissioner, a Major Projects Commissioner and an Infrastructure Commissioner - who were tasked with strengthening investment by bringing new business to the Territory, and to keep working with those who are already so deeply invested here.
Minister Lawler's new title will be Minister for Territory Development, in preparation for the economic boom and jobs growth that the Territory will see in the coming years. The title reflects the significance of making sure the Territory is ready to deal with an increase in population and jobs, and making sure the infrastructure and services are there and ready to meet the demand of Territorians, both new and old.
Minister Manison's new title will be Minister for Advanced Manufacturing. The Territory has massive potential and growth expected in the advanced manufacturing space - led by the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct - and this title represents our commitment to bringing online this new and exciting industry for the Territory.
Minister Paech will take on the new title of Minister for Desert Knowledge. This portfolio recognises the significant contribution of Desert Knowledge Australia and it will strengthen its partnership with the Territory Labor Government to create economic opportunities and deliver projects for the people, communities and organisations of Central Australia.
To further recognise the Territory is now past the reconstruction phase the titles of Minister for Economic Reconstruction will be dropped from Ministries.
Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
"The new Portfolio titles reflect the Territory Labor Government's determination to make the Territory this country's best investment. By continuing to attract dollars here, create jobs for Territorians, and make sure we have all our services in place to deal with the boom when it comes.
"Economic growth across the Territory this year will easily be the strongest in the nation - Deloitte's most recent quarterly assessment shows us leading the charge at 6.9 per cent economic growth, meaning more jobs and opportunities for local business and investors.
"This is a massive vote of confidence in the Territory's economy, and we are now taking full advantage of where we stand in the region and the world."
Quotes from Minister for Territory Development Eva Lawler:
"The Territory Labor Government is making sure we have the right infrastructure in the right place, at the right time to allow more private investment, development, jobs and growth.
"We are investing $15 million over five years to bring more land to market across the Territory- this includes Holtze, Kowandi, Kilgariff, Katherine East and Peko Road in Tennant Creek.
"This new title proves that our economy is going up and we are preparing for the jobs and economic wave which is about to hit the Northern Territory - we are going to be ready."
Quotes from Minister for Desert Knowledge Chansey Paech:
"Desert Knowledge Australia is an important asset that facilitates learning, research, socioeconomic development and environmental sustainability across Central Australia established by Labor in 2003.
"This facility delivers projects of benefit to Central Australia that focus on renewable energy, desert leadership, digital innovation, and desert research.
"I am proud to be the first Minister for Desert Knowledge Australia and look forward to fostering economic development and desert leadership as well as progressing the strategic plan and key projects."
Quotes from Minister for Advanced Manufacturing Nicole Manison:
"Expanding our advanced manufacturing capabilities in the Territory will create jobs, jobs and more jobs.
"We know the Territory has huge potential in the advanced manufacturing space and that's why I am really excited about this appointment.
"Diversifying our manufacturing industry will grow our economy, build our investment prospects and generate more regional development."
