NT Independent

NT public servant arrested for alleged multi-million dollar fraud

A 39-year-old employee of the NT Department of Children and Families has been arrested and charged for allegedly using her position in the government to defraud the National Disability Insurance Scheme of millions of dollars.

‘Deceased patients being booked for operations’: AMA’s new submission to Acacia inquiry reveals more problems

Doctors are afraid they will lose their jobs if they speak up about massive issues with the Acacia IT system and have no faith in departments or whistleblower protections to shield them from retaliation, the Australian Medical Association said in a startling new submission to the inquiry into the flawed project, while also revealing that real data about the extent of the system’s failures have been hidden from the committee investigating it.

Batchelor Institute loses another $2.4m, fails to implement ICAC reforms

The Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education recorded a $2.4 million deficit in the 2025 financial year, following a $2.2 million deficit the previous year, while a recent Auditor-General’s report found the institute has yet to fully implement recommendations made by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption in 2023 and has continued to appoint people to senior roles without holding a selection process.

Darwin Council wants new tax on Territory Day fireworks to cover clean-up costs

A motion before Darwin Council calling on the NT Government to introduce a new tax on Territory Day fireworks has the support of the Mayor and at least one councillor who want to use the additional revenue to cover clean-up costs the day after cracker night, but the Chief Minister is not sold on the idea.

No discipline for Manuel Brown in Labor reshuffle as Uibo takes month-long holiday

Embattled Labor MLA Manuel Brown will remain in Labor’s shadow cabinet despite repeatedly lying to the public and Leader Selena Uibo about his indiscretions, while it appears Labor’s caucus has failed to take any disciplinary action against him contradicting Ms Uibo’s claims it would determine punishment for Mr Brown. Ms Uibo is also facing questions over why her team did not appear at any public events with the PM last week.

Three teens arrested with wheelie bin of empty alcohol containers tying them to alleged break-in

Three teenagers who allegedly smashed into the Gray Oval community facility in Palmerston early Sunday morning to steal alcohol have been arrested, with police recovering a wheelie bin from the oval loaded with the teens’ empties at the scene of their arrest.

More CDU students in new training bungle as Minister calls for further heads to roll

An estimated 100 Charles Darwin University students in the electrotechnology program have not been properly trained, Education and Training Minister Jo Hersey revealed in Parliament Thursday afternoon, which follows CDU’s TAFE carpentry training scandal earlier this year that saw hundreds forced to redo their qualifications.

NT Government commits funds to restore free-to-air TV in remote communities

A new three-year, $570,000 pilot program will aim to restore free-to-air television access in remote communities in the NT, the Finocchiaro CLP Government has pledged as part of its “restoring the Territory lifestyle” plans, which will involve lobbying the Federal Government and utilising technology to “retransmit digital television services” into homes that were lost following the 2013 nation-wide switch to digital television.

Letter to the editor: Access to Kulaluk Cemetery to be lost

The cultural and historical significance of the Kulaluk Cemetery and its historic access route is being erased as the land leading to it is being developed, writes Sonja Pastor.

Banned driver allegedly carried 12 passengers

A 19-year-old man who was disqualified from driving and in breach of his bail conditions was allegedly caught driving a vehicle carrying 13 adult occupants, along with alcohol, NT Police said.