The Top End is home to a key part of the nation’s defence infrastructure. Photo: Northern Territory Government.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is positioning defence as a key component of its Rebuilding the Economy Strategy, as a Northern Territory industry delegation heads to Sydney for the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025.
The delegation, led by DefenceNT, showcases the Territory’s strategic importance, defence industry capability and the investment opportunities for both national and international stakeholders.
Chief Minister and Minister for Defence Lia Finocchiaro said the Territory’s expanding role in the nation’s defence and security network was a primary component of rebuilding the economy, attracting investment and supporting jobs.
“The Territory is the frontline of Australia’s defence and national security, and under my government, we are positioning the Territory to gain maximum benefit from our natural strategic advantage,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
“Our Rebuilding the Economy Strategy sets a clear target to deliver for Australia.”
The recent CommSec State of the States report indicated a shift in the Territory’s position among the sub-national jurisdictions, with the NT rising from eighth to fourth place nationally. The report also noted that the NT is the nation’s fastest-growing economy, a position it has held for the past two quarters, with 5.4 per cent growth over the year.
“The CommSec report confirms the Territory is growing faster than anywhere else in the nation — our economy is strong, our population is rising, and investor confidence is high,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
The Northern Territory delegation comprises 26 local organisations and businesses, representing a broad array of disciplines, such as construction, engineering, maritime technology and training. They will connect with defence personnel, partners and leaders in the industry.
Participants will include Master Builders NT, Marine Technicians Australia, Micks Ally Fab, Norship, Norsta Maritime, Chamber of Commerce NT, NTEX, Paspalis Capital, Safety Direct Solutions, Shorebarge, SPEE3D, Territory Instruments, Tiwi Port Marine, Trancelestial, Baldwin Group, Bear Claw, Charles Darwin University, Dräger, ENZED Service Centre Darwin, Fortress Industries, Georgiou, Industry Capability Network NT, Land Development Corporation and M+J Builders.
“In our year of action, certainty and security, our delegation is taking the Territory’s story to the world — that we can deliver the infrastructure, innovation and industry capability to support Australia’s defence priorities,” Ms Finocchiaro said.
The Federal Government is investing $765 billion in defence over the next decade and major opportunities are in store for the NT, including:
- A $14-$18 billion expansion and upgrade schedule slated for military bases across the NT;
- $5-$7 billion for supporting infrastructure for defence coastal vessel facilities;
- $10-$15 billion for storage, transport and logistics networks vital to national operations.
The NT Government is aiming to position the Territory as the gateway to the “defence frontier”, creating employment and ensuring that Territorians are at the centre of the nation’s future.
