Business news from across the Northern Territory: Latest highlights include the Territory recording the lowest rate of yearly wage growth, the NT’s worker shortage continuing to exacerbate ongoing labour shortages, the cattle export industry seeing a decade-high performance, Inpex admitting to on-selling natural gas, and the Top End named among the world’s must-visit destinations for this year.

Economy

Worker shortage continues to hit the Territory hard

The Northern Territory’s worker shortage is 79 per cent higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating a labour crisis, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics on job vacancies has revealed.

The job vacancy statistics also indicate that worker shortages across all Australian states and territories remain considerably above levels recorded before the pandemic. Despite the long-term worker shortage increase, job vacancies in the NT declined 11.3 per cent over the three months leading up to November 2025, marking the most significant quarterly decrease among all Australian states and territories.

NT records lowest rate of yearly wage growth

Latest data from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) revealed that the NT logged the slowest wage growth in the year to December 2025, at 2.5 per cent annually, while the national average was 3.1 per cent for the same period. Western Australia and the ACT recorded the strongest growth, both at 3.6 per cent, leading the nation. “We judge the labor market to be slightly tight and expect the unemployment rate to stay near current levels through 2026,” CBA head of Australian economics Belinda Allen said.

Overall, Australia’s labor market is currently “slightly tight,” with a slowdown in employment growth and moderated wage increases in December. Latest Wage and Labor Insights shows that the economy added 23,000 jobs in December 2025, the CBA said.

NT cattle export industry sees decade-high performance

The NT’s live cattle export industry has achieved its strongest performance in over 10 years, solidifying Darwin’s position as Australia’s leading live export hub, the industry has reported. In 2025, Darwin Port exported a total of 447,620 head of cattle, an 18 per cent increase from the previous year. Notably, 70 per cent of these cattle were sourced directly from the Territory, highlighting the significant economic benefits for regional and remote communities.

Darwin Port experienced a 23.5 per cent rise in total trade during the last financial year, with live cattle exports being a significant factor in the increase.

Business

Inpex admits to on-selling Australian natural gas, faces criticism over profit motives

Japanese energy giant Inpex is facing criticism for exporting natural gas from its NT operations to countries like Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Critics, including The Australia Institute, argue that the company benefits by avoiding royalties and taxes, despite its claims of non-profit motives.

This controversy coincides with concerns over domestic gas shortages and rising prices, prompting calls for a “use it or lose it” policy and a national gas reservation strategy. In addition, Inpex has been criticised for allegedly under-reporting toxic emissions at its Ichthys LNG plant, heightening political tensions around its operations.

Tourism

NT among world’s must-visit destinations for this year

The Top End has been named one of the top travel destinations for 2026 by The New York Times, ranking 14th overall and the highest in Australia. The region was celebrated for its unique landscapes, rich culture, and lifestyle. Key attractions raised in the article, include Kakadu National Park and the recently reopened Gunlom Falls.

The region’s laid-back lifestyle and stunning beauty make it appealing to travellers, the paper said, while Melbourne ranks 49th on the list. The government is hoping the international recognition will boost tourism to the Territory.