NT childcare centres have been warned to “fix their act fast” by the government as part of a four-pillar plan to enhance accountability in the industry, following the tragic death of a toddler at an early learning centre in Humpty Doo in 2023.
Terms of reference for suicide investigation kept secret, department won’t say if it’s looking into further deaths
The terms of reference for an internal government investigation into the death of Acacia health IT system developer Shaun Joyce have been kept secret by the government, with the Department of Corporate and Digital Development refusing to say whether it is examining the issue of identified departmental bullying more broadly or looking into further possible suicides connected to the project.
Pollies get annual pre-Christmas pay rise under CLP
The Territory’s politicians have once again been gifted a pay rise amid record debt, with their salaries now increased by $5,000 – which follows last year’s generous $8,200 pay rise – which works out to an eight per cent increase, while the government is currently offering public servants an annual three per cent pay increase.
Private security patrols boosted in Darwin, Palmerston
Private security services in Darwin and Palmerston have been doubled with more patrols and extended patrol hours ahead of Christmas, as part of the NT Government’s “upgraded safety blitz”, which it said will crackdown on antisocial behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence.
Local council charged over drowning death of toddler
NT WorkSafe has formally charged the MacDonnell Regional Council following the drowning death of a two-year-old child at a Kintore early learning centre in December 2020.
CLP ran $886m deficit last financial year, adding to Labor’s record debt: Auditor-General
The Finocchiaro CLP Government racked up an $886 million net operating deficit in the 2024-25 financial year, while also borrowing $1.4 billion, according to a new audit report by the Auditor-General, which shows the big-spending CLP helped raise the Territory’s debt level to $12 billion.
NT Young Australian of the Year charged with aggravated assault
The Territory’s Young Australian of the Year Jaiden Dickenson has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault stemming from a domestic violence incident, less than three weeks after he was given the award for his work helping to reduce rates of youth reoffending, The Australian has reported.
RDH identified in 2022 report as lacking structural certification
Royal Darwin Hospital was identified as one of many government-owned buildings that was not properly certified upon construction, that the current CLP Government was apparently unaware of, raising questions about whether promised certification works were carried out over the last three years, which follows bricks falling from an external wall and through a roof last weekend during Cyclone Fina.
Alleged thieves who stole $141k worth of fuel arrested in Katherine
Two men have been arrested in Katherine after allegedly stealing more than $141,000 worth of fuel using a stolen fob taken from a business last year, NT Police said.
Man charged over alleged attack on woman
A 44-year-old man has been charged with choking and aggravated assault over an alleged domestic violence attack on a woman in Alice Springs, NT Police said.
CLP silent on Kirkman’s employment status, use of NTG vehicle
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has refused to explain how disgraced former NT Government senior executive Andrew Kirkman obtained a government-marked vehicle, which he was seen driving and which was parked outside his house last week, more than seven months after announcing his departure from the public service.
Alice Springs doctor charged with rape after warnings from health staff ignored
A doctor at the centre of rape allegations and concerns of a “cover-up” of his behaviour was charged this week with the rape of one woman and the indecent assault of another, following a lengthy criminal investigation.