The NT Government is making a case for more skilled migrants to come to the Top End. Photo: William Perugini.
The Northern Territory Government is pushing for more skilled workers to relocate to the Top End.
Minister for International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill has attended a Ministerial Migration Roundtable in Melbourne to discuss migration planning, general policy and programs.
The meeting, which involved national, state and territory leaders, aimed to enhance cooperation between jurisdictions.
The NT’s economy is predicted to expand by 18.4 per cent between 2025 and 2029. To achieve this growth, the government said it needed more than 14,000 workers over the next five years to meet service delivery demands.
Ms Cahill said the roundtable was an opportunity to advocate for better migration policy geared towards regional needs.
While National Migration Program levels for 2025-2026 are already confirmed, full allocations for states and territories are yet to be fully agreed upon.
“I will be pushing that the Federal Government expedite this process, and that the Territory will be seeking an increase from last year’s allocation,” Ms Cahill said.
“Under our Rebuilding the Economy Strategy, we want to make the Territory the best place in the nation to live, work, visit and invest.
“Migration plays an essential part in rebuilding the Territory’s economy, boosting our population and restoring the Territory lifestyle.”
The Finocchiaro CLP Government’s migration push comes in the face of ongoing workforce shortages affecting Territory businesses.
“The Northern Territory Government remains committed to prioritising jobs for Territorians first, then workers from interstate, before businesses seek workers from overseas,” Ms Cahill said.
An annual $2 million package is being delivered over the next two years to attract workers and international students to the NT, with funding for skilled migration programs, workforce development, retention activities, worker attraction and visa processing.
