NT Independent

Budget 2026: Big spending continues as slightly improved debt still at record level

Treasurer Bill Yan delivered his second budget Tuesday morning that contains no “lollies or sweets”, with the Finocchiaro CLP Government overseeing a record net debt that will now top $11.35 billion this year and grow to $12.56 billion in 2026-27 – less than previously estimated due to better than expected revenue streams and less spending on infrastructure projects – while Mr Yan said the government is “living within our means” despite no substantive plans to reduce the debt.

Alleged armed taxi robbery attempt, city shop break-in under investigation

A man has been charged after allegedly using an edged weapon to try to steal a taxi driver’s car on Sunday morning, while police are also searching for people who allegedly looted a Darwin city shop after its glass front door was broken on Monday morning, NT Police said.

Murray Valley encephalitis found in Darwin mosquitoes

NT Health is urging Greater Darwin residents to take precautionary measures following the detection of the rare but potentially life-threatening Murray Valley encephalitis virus in local mosquitoes.

Jefferson Lewis charged with murder of five-year-old girl; five more rioters arrested

NT Police have charged 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis with the murder of five-year-old Kumantjayi Little Baby following her abduction that led to a massive five-day search effort by hundreds in Alice Springs ending when her body was discovered Thursday morning.

Gaslit Festival to launch in Darwin opposing gas expansion

Darwin will host the inaugural Gaslit Festival, a three-day music and community event organised by the Environment Centre NT in collaboration with the Australian Conservation Foundation, 350 Australia and Frack Free NT.

Calls for calm after night of chaos in Alice Springs amid alleged child killer’s arrest

Community leaders are calling for calm in Alice Springs after a night of rioting outside the hospital where alleged child killer Jefferson Lewis was taken after his arrest, which saw an angry crowd throwing rocks and lighting a police car on fire, with Lewis later flown to Darwin to restore calm.

Mass layoffs loom as NT Government capital works contracts slow to a trickle

EXCLUSIVE: The crucial ‘pipeline’ of NT Government infrastructure works that keep businesses operating in the Northern Territory has slowed to a trickle, industry and government sources have confirmed, with the slowdown leading to uncertainty and fear of impending “mass layoffs” while construction and civil works companies currently consider their options in an unprecedented situation.

Hidden in leaf litter: New assassin bug named for Larrakia people

A newly discovered species of assassin bug has been named in honour of the Larrakia people by researchers from Oxford Brookes University who found the specimen when shaking out a last bag of leaf litter when leaving Charles Darwin National Park after weeks of searching.

Litchfield Council proposes 4 per cent rate rise, $8.5m works plan

Litchfield ratepayers will face a four per cent increase in rates and waste charges next financial year under the council’s draft 2026–27 budget, which also sets aside $8.5 million for capital works.

Letter to the editor: A dry season rainbow appeared

After early rain on the first day of the Dry, a non-political, non-ideological rainbow over Howard Springs prompted a reflection on nature’s beauty and shared wonder by Gerry Wood.