The CLP Government has appointed an “Approvals Fast Track Taskforce” made up of business owners from across the Territory that it says will help rebuild the economy.

The new task force will provide recommendations to reform regulatory processes, which the government says will significantly reduce approval timeframes.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the task force will operate for six months and is essential for streamlining approvals and cutting through red tape to expand business and investment opportunities in the Territory.

Mark Garraway, the former President of the Property Council NT, will lead the task force.

“The CLP has promised to rebuild the Territory’s economy, which was trashed under the previous government, and this Taskforce, along with the Territory Coordinator, will play a key role in getting the NT moving in the right direction,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

Task force members include M+J Builders director Michael Buckley; NT Link director Tony Smith; Territory Instruments managing director Stuart Kenny; Humpty Doo Barramundi CEO Dan Richards; Foxalicious Fruit owner Andrew Dalglish; Louw Group director Hermanus Louw; and Stone House Charlie’s of Darwin and Darwin Distillery owner, Bec Bullen.

“The task force will provide real-world advice to the Government on options for decreasing regulatory processing times and easing the burden on business and industry, focusing on reforms that will benefit the greatest number of businesses,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

The task force will primarily concentrate on small enterprises, particularly in the construction, retail, accommodation, and hospitality industries.

“The Taskforce will take a risk-based approach, seeking to balance the economic benefits of improved investment and economic development with the need to avoid undue risk for Territorians.”