An ICAC review into the hiring and promotion practices of an NT Government department that commenced the same month its chief executive was controversially appointed has revealed “several recurring gaps…that present improper conduct risks” with recruitment, including that conflicts of interest were not adequately managed, that applicants’ qualifications were inconsistently verified, and that advertised positions took on average 67 days to fill.
The number of new home builds in the Territory plummeted last year to near-record lows, a new report has found, with the NT delivering 69 per cent fewer homes than required with only 449 homes delivered last year.
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.
Darwin-based Shorebarge has been put into voluntary administration after a creditor filed a winding-up application in the Supreme Court of Victoria, according to Australian Securities and Investments Commission documents, while its sister company Shorelands announced it has ceased trading.
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.
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.
Targeted spawning closures, tighter vessel limits, stronger compliance enforcement and the construction of new habitat in barren sea areas should form part of the Northern Territory’s next golden snapper recovery plan, the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory said.
Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby has returned from a previously unannounced “China tourism mission” to the city of Guangzhou, which she said was necessary to build relationships in person and attract more Chinese tourists to the Northern Territory.
Alice Springs Town Council says Jacana Energy only contacted it this week to discuss electricity price increases for local government from July, while the Local Government Association NT said some remote councils are considering cutting family, health and youth programs amid the planned price increase, as Darwin Council also ponders cuts to services.
A $70 million federal loan will underpin a new 14-storey CDU student accommodation building for 350 students across from the university’s city Danala campus, with land provided by the NT Government, with construction now expected to start two years after the campus opened and seven years since it was first announced.
The number of NT public servants stating they were bullied or sexually harassed at work has increased significantly since 2023 along with a consistent fear to report, while the number of physical assaults on public servants has nearly doubled in two years, according to the latest NT Government People Matter Survey, which was quietly released by the government last week.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is spending $82.1 million on two large-scale battery storage projects it says will improve energy security and grid stability in Alice Springs and Katherine.
