The NT Government’s procurement processes are susceptible to corruption and have not been fixed for more than a decade despite repeated incidents, an Office of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption report into alleged “improper” conduct has found.
UPDATED: Liquor giant Dan Murphy’s parent company Woolworths will not proceed with its plans for a Darwin store, the company confirmed this morning.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will make a surprise visit to the Northern Territory today where it is expected he will attend the Howard Springs quarantine facility and separately announce nearly $750 million in defence spending to upgrade four NT ADF training areas amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Federal Government has announced that all flights from India will be temporarily suspended while the NT deals with its single highest number of COVID cases linked to repatriation flights. It comes amid questions about testing in India and reports from Indian news sites that people in the COVID ravaged country are allegedly faking COVID-19 tests.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s secret deal with Chinese officials in Shenzhen that was later revealed as a “Framework for Cooperation” agreement will be reviewed by Foreign Minister Marise Payne, following the termination of Victoria’s Belt and Road deal with the Chinese government.
The Opposition is calling on the Gunner Government to explain what extra safety precautions it is taking ahead of tonight’s NRL match at TIO Stadium, following revelations the facility has outstanding fire safety issues that could put Territorians’ lives at risk.
Senator Jacqui Lambie has called on the Federal Government to tear up the Darwin Port deal with Chinese company Landbridge, following the termination of Victoria’s Belt and Road contract under new national security measures.
Tonight’s scheduled NRL match at TIO Stadium has been thrown into question after internal documents show the NT Government has failed to properly rectify outstanding safety issues with the venue – which remains uncertified and without an overall occupancy permit, the NT Independent can reveal.
NT Police will be forced to close remote police stations “overnight” if federal funding is not extended past June next year, the police association warned, as the war of words between the federal and NT governments continued.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s much-hyped trip to Alice Springs that lasted less than 12 hours is the latest example of “disrespect” and “neglect” of the people of Central Australia by the Gunner Government, the CLP Opposition says.
Internal government documents show the Darwin Turf Club ordered emergency rectification works on its Silks lounge ahead of last year’s Cup Carnival after a formal complaint alleged the building was “unsafe and unsuitable to occupy” – which contradicts official statements by the NT Government.
The risk of contracting a severe mosquito borne disease has increased with the recent detection of Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus in the Top End and Barkly regions, the Department of Health has warned.
