The Territory stands to be key a beneficiary of a pledged Federal Government spend of between $14 billion and $18 billion across Northern Australia over the next decade to upgrade defence bases, with the government pledging that the NT will see “the lion’s share” of that money.
The CLP has pledged to raise the tax-free threshold for payroll tax small businesses pay if elected in August, that will see Territory employers with payrolls below $2.5 million not pay any payroll tax at all, in an effort it says to “get the economy moving forward”.
Today’s national news includes PM Albanese criticizing China over a fighter jet incident over international waters, RBA keeping policy rate stable at 4.35 per cent, Five Bonza aircraft being taken away despite administrators’ effort to retain them, and $8.5 million West Beach Surf Club opening.
The Darwin Festival will hold events in Palmerston for the first time this year, with organisers announcing a two-day program for the city.
A new $48 million contract to supply the long-delayed Darwin ship lift project with a lift operating system has been awarded that will get the project moving, the Chief Minister said, while rejecting a proposal for a mobile ship lift to bridge the gap for industry following massive delays to the major project.
Five male teens as young as 13-years old and a woman have been arrested over break-ins and the theft of three vehicles in Darwin overnight, while an unspecified number of offenders who stole at least three other vehicles are still on the run, NT Police said.
Today’s national news includes Prime Minister Albanese backing WA police after the Perth Bunnings stabbing, Qantas paying $79 million over the ‘ghost flights’ controversy, NSW committing $230 million to fight domestic violence, and Australia enhancing Philippine military ties as South China Sea tensions escalate.
Australia’s housing crisis is set to worsen, particularly in the NT, warns a new report that outlines rising international student numbers, natural population increases, and overseas migration in some states as leading factors.
Applications for bottle shop security guards to apply to carry OC spray while on duty are now open, the Lawler Government has announced, while unruly pub-goers could face an increased fine of $880 – almost five times the present penalty – if they refuse to leave a licensed venue, as part of a long-delayed effort to “reduce crime and anti-social behaviour” in bottle shops and pubs.
A $134 million design and construction contract to recommission the Manton Dam as been awarded by the Lawler Government more than a year after it was put to market, that it says will see a new water treatment plant and pumping station built, while maintaining the dam’s current use as a recreational facility.
A woman was assaulted and robbed while parking her car at her home in Marrara on Monday night, NT Police said.
Two men have been charged over an aggravated burglary of an Alice Springs business over the weekend, NT Police said.
