NT Independent

CLP to spruik NT as prime location for ‘AI-ready data centres’ on latest trip to Asia

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is sending a delegation to Taiwan this week as part of a “proactive investor engagement program” led by Asian Relations Minister Robyn Cahill that will involve “targeted meetings” with businesses interested in potentially developing “AI-ready data centres” in the Territory.

NT Govt wants Territorians to pay for US Independence Day celebrations: Internal email

A senior NT Government bureaucrat has claimed the US Embassy in Canberra requested Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro “consider creative ways” for the Northern Territory to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday on July 4 this year, such as holding fireworks displays, but instructed all department heads that any celebration must be covered “from within existing resources”, a leaked internal email has revealed.

Homemade gun, silencer and body armour seized in police raid

Police have allegedly seized a homemade gun, silencer and body armour, along with drugs, after a compliance inspection at a Herbert property uncovered unsecured firearms, ammunition and evidence of drug activity, NT Police said.

Health warning after two deaths from Murray Valley encephalitis in the NT

Two people have died from Murray Valley encephalitis in Alice Springs, one this month and one last month, prompting NT Health to issue urgent warnings for NT residents and visitors about the fatal mosquito-borne disease, that has also been detected on two occasions in mosquitoes around Darwin this year.

Government delays safeguard recommendations to quickly pass new Heritage bill

The Finocchiaro CLP Government says it will implement proposed safeguards to the Heritage Act 2011 recommended by the Legislative Scrutiny Committee at a later date, including restricting a minister’s ability to delegate powers, and will instead apply the recommendations through ‘administrative policy’ after passing the bill, which comes amid criticism the committee was swamped with legislation and the public was only given one week to voice concerns.

‘Territory credibility’: Integrity and Ethics Commissioner appointment processes questioned by integrity bodies

The Labor Opposition has congratulated the Finocchiaro CLP Government for its picks to lead the new Integrity and Ethics Commissioner office, while integrity experts still hold concerns the process of appointments has eroded public confidence, particularly around the unadvertised role of chief executive that will be filled by former AFP and NT police commissioner Reece Kershaw, with one integrity expert describing the current situation as akin to a sad “satire”.

Man charged after allegedly stabbing sleeping victim

A Tennant Creek man has been charged with causing serious harm for allegedly stabbing a man while he slept in a house on Friday night, NT Police said.

Letter to the editor: Lee Point plan lacked scrutiny from the start

Darwin Council has endorsed a Senate inquiry into the Lee Point development, but there should have been public consultation when the development was first proposed about whether it was an appropriate site for residential development in the first place, writes Sonja Pastor.

Ram raid, supermarket ransacked, attempted bank robbery in Tennant Creek

Three teenagers have been charged after allegedly ram raiding the Sporties Club in Tennant Creek early Saturday morning, while police are also investigating a supermarket break-in, an attempted bank robbery, and another business burglary in the town’s main street on Sunday, NT Police said.

‘Loaded-up party budget’: Extra $1m to ‘support’ Administrator; another $2m for exclusive events

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has inexplicably chosen “canapes over cost-of-living relief” for Territorians in last week’s budget, critics say, after directing an additional $1 million to controversial Administrator David Connolly’s office and a further $2 million it didn’t have last year to Protocol NT – the body that organises official government functions and special invite-only events.