Diesel prices are between 12 and 14 cents per litre higher in Palmerston than the lowest prices in Katherine, and while the NT government has the legislative power to investigate these margins and even set price caps, it is not doing anything, writes Daryl Frahm.

Hibiscus Shopping Centre for sale
Hibiscus Shopping Centre in Darwin’s northern suburbs is being offered for sale for the first time in more than 40 years, the sales agent has said.

CLP to set mandatory 25-year sentence for DV murders
The Finocchiaro CLP Government will move to amend the NT’s Sentencing Act this week in Parliament to set a minimum, non-parole period of 25 years’ imprisonment for the murder of a current or former partner, which it claims will act as a “real deterrent” to the Territory’s ongoing domestic violence crisis.

Meth, weapons and counterfeit cash seized from Coconut Grove car yard
Four people are facing charges in connection to “multiple disturbances” at a car yard in Coconut Grove, including one allegedly involving a gun, which NT Police said resulted in the seizure of weapons, a trafficable quantity of meth and $800 in counterfeit cash.

International test cricket returns to Darwin after 22 years under multi-match deal
International test cricket will return to Darwin in August after more than two decades, featuring Australia against Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium, as part of a multi-match agreement between Cricket Australia, NT Cricket and the NT Government.

Government extends HomeGrown build grants program until September 2027
The NT CLP Government has announced the extension of the HomeGrown build grants program, which will now run through September 2027, which it said will offer long-term stability for families, builders, and investors, with 400 grants having been approved for first-time home buyers to put towards building or buying their first home amid a “difficult time” to enter the NT housing market.

Darwin Salties wheelchair team latest victim of Darwin Basketball Association’s dysfunction
Three-time national champs the Darwin Salties wheelchair basketball team has been forced to withdraw from the National Wheelchair Basketball League following financial troubles at the Darwin Basketball Association, that led to the association being dissolved late last year amid alleged integrity failures by senior figures.

China’s ambassador warns of ‘taking measures’ on trade if Darwin Port reclaimed
China’s ambassador to Australia has warned that China “has an obligation to protect” Chinese companies’ interests overseas, indicating trade between the two nations “and that part of Australia” particularly will be affected if the Darwin Port is reclaimed by Australia, a day after the Prime Minister said commercial negotiations were continuing to overturn the 2015 lease by the NT Government that he said was not in Australia’s national interest.

New ‘landmark’ health funding deal with Feds secured
The Northern Territory will see “up to” $1 billion in additional federal health funding over the next five years, the Chief Minister has said, following the signing of a new funding agreement with the Prime Minister on Friday heralded by both sides as a “historic deal”, but that funding will “only keep the lights on” here, says the Australian Medical Association NT.

New $355m RAAF drone facility opens in Katherine
The Royal Australian Air Force has officially opened the new $355.7 million MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal that the government says will strengthen a Defence cooperation program with the US Navy and enhance Australia’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities across the north.

Australians delaying action on hearing loss
Millions of Australians are failing to act on their hearing health in favour of other health check-ups, despite troubling side effects that can affect their quality of life, including social withdrawal, listening fatigue and cognitive strain, Hearing Australia has warned.

New $60m aged care facility operator identified
Queensland-based not-for-profit Ozcare will build and operate the new $60 million aged care facility in Palmerston, providing 120 to 150 residential beds to alleviate “bed block” in local hospitals, the Prime Minister announced yesterday in Darwin, but it could still be two to three years before the much-needed facility is operational.

