Industry News

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is moving to repeal or amend sections of Labor’s Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 that impose unnecessary red tape and cost burdens on Territory homeowners, landlords, and industry.

Part 8 of the Regulations, introduced by the former Labor Government, imposes new compliance requirements on people selling or renting their homes, including mandatory safety switch disclosures and rectification notices.

These provisions were scheduled to commence on 1 July 2026 and 1 July 2028 but were introduced without proper consultation. They have since drawn widespread concern from property managers, conveyancers, electricians, and everyday Territorians.

Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said the CLP Government will not allow these impractical provisions to proceed in their current form.

“This is yet another example of Labor bringing in rules that sound good on paper but don’t make anyone safer in practice,” said Ms Boothby.

“These changes mean more cost, more red tape, and more hassle, with no clear safety benefit. It’s red tape for red tape’s sake.”

The CLP Government has received calls from Territorians to act now before it is due to commence next year. Concerns include added costs to sellers and renters, increased administrative burden, and potential pressure on the electrical industry.

“As Attorney-General, I have directed the department to commence work to ensure these provisions are addressed properly and Territorians have certainty moving forward,” said Ms Boothby.

“We promised Territorians a year of action, certainty and security, and let me be absolutely clear - the CLP Government will sort this out.”

The Government is now actively considering the most appropriate path forward, including:

• Repealing Part 8 entirely; or
• Delaying its application for as long as necessary to deliver a more practical, workable solution.

“Territorians deserve laws that genuinely protect them, not overreach that adds confusion, cost, and complexity,” said Ms Boothby.

“We were elected to reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore our lifestyle. That includes standing up for common sense to provide certainty, cutting red tape, and backing homeowners and industry to get on with the job.”

Further updates will be provided following consultation.

Source: Northern Territory Government

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has launched the Territory Growth Initiative (TGI) — a new strategy to fast-track private investment and drive economic growth across the Northern Territory.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said the TGI demonstrates the CLP’s commitment to rebuilding the economy as part of its year of action, certainty and security.

“The Territory Growth Initiative shows the Territory is open for business and the best place to invest,” Ms Cahill said.

“By partnering with industry and creating a more business-friendly environment, we’re unlocking private capital to deliver real economic benefits and create Territory jobs.”

TGI is already delivering — unlocking a $22.8 million tourism boost for Central Australia, backed by a $10 million concessional loan on commercial terms.

The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, set to launch in time for the 2026 walking season, will offer guests an unforgettable five days and four nights of outback indulgence along a 54km trail inside the World Heritage Listed Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.

In Darwin for the Northern Territory Investment Summit, Neil Lynch, Managing Director of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Pty Ltd said, "We always knew we wanted to deliver a one-of-a-kind overnight hiking experience in the red centre —a combination of premium infrastructure, a timeless landscape, and a 60,000-year-old culture —but bringing that vision to life requires significant upfront investment as well as government support.

“Being supported by the Northern Territory Government’s Territory Growth Initiative, and the first recipient of their Collaborative Investment Program loan, was extremely valuable and enabled us to unlock lasting benefits for global adventurers and for Traditional Owners, who gain a platform to share their culture and country with the world."

Under the Initiative, investment opportunities are assessed through rigorous due diligence with advice from an independent Investment Committee of industry experts.

TGI offers three pathways of investors:

• Collaborative Investment Program (CIP):
  • Loans up to $10 million to help Territory businesses become investment ready or attract new businesses in energy, defence, agriculture, mining and tourism.
• Territory Infrastructure Loans (TIL):
  • Delivered with the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, providing concessional loans for infrastructure development.
• Paspalis Co-Investment Fund (PCF):
  • Supporting NT-based companies to grow, expand and create jobs, with investments up to $5 million focused on defence, agriculture and technology.

These products will unlock new economic activity, strength supply chains and support a skilled local workforce.

To find out more about the Territory Growth Initiative visit https://australiasnorthernterritory.com.au/invest/assistance/here-to-help/territory-growth-initiative

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

The Finocchiaro CLP Government today released the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce report along with the Government’s formal response to its final recommendations, delivering on a key election commitment to reduce red tape and make it easier to do business in the Northern Territory.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the report, Saying Yes to Business, led by Chair Mark Garraway and a panel of industry leaders, identified 70 recommended actions to remove barriers for small businesses and drive economic growth across the Territory.

“The message is clear: the Territory is open for business. We are backing businesses to grow, invest and create jobs,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“Our government has fully accepted 60 of the Taskforce’s recommendations and accepted a further 10 in principle, in an aim to cut red tape and reduce approval delays by 50%.”

Two of the 70 recommended actions have already been delivered:

In addition, the CLP Government has committed to fast-tracking 48 of the 70 recommendations over the next 12 months as part of the first phase of implementation.

Examples of recommendations that are being fast-tracked:

“These reforms will streamline processes, improve certainty for investors, and help build a stronger, more diversified economy,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“As part of our year of action, certainty and security, we continue to be focused on rebuilding the economy and delivering on our promises to Territorians.”

Chair of the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce, Mark Garraway, said the release of the report marked an important step forward for the Northern Territory’s economy.

"The Territory Government has undertaken its critical first step in turning around the NTs economy. This is about creating certainty and confidence."

The taskforce adopted a measured approach to its reforms by using a risk-based model to lessen regulation burden on predominantly small and medium sized territory businesses.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Highlights:

• The Shenandoah South 2H sidetrack (SS-2H ST1) well achieved a Beetaloo Basin record average 60-day initial production (IP60) flow rate of 6.8 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) over a 5,483-foot stimulated horizontal within the Mid Velkerri B Shale.
• The exit rate maintains a steady, low-declining curve at 6.4 MMcf/d with a flowing wellhead pressure of ~720 psi and has exhibited less decline than that of the SS-1H well over the last 30 days of testing.
• The average flow rate of 12.4 MMcf/d over a normalized 10,000-foot horizontal section remains inline with an average of more than 11,000 wells in the Marcellus Shale dry gas area with production for over a 12-month period.
• The result reinforces Tamboran’s view of commercial deliverability from the Beetaloo Basin to the Australian domestic East Coast gas market that typically sells at a premium to Henry Hub.
• Tamboran has commenced the three well 2025 Shenandoah South Pilot Project drilling program with the spudding of the Shenandoah South 4H (SS-4H) well. The wells are being drilled with the Helmerich & Payne (NYSE: HP) super-spec FlexRig® Flex 3 Rig from the SS2 pad in EP 98.

Source: Tamboran Resources Corporation 

As part of our year of action, certainty and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government has delivered a brand-new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Centre at Katherine High School, with construction now complete on the $16.7 million project.

The centre will give students across the Katherine region access to a state-of-the-art learning facility, combining upgrades to existing buildings with new contemporary spaces to meet the needs of students, teachers and the wider school community.

As part of the project, local company M&J Builders provided Katherine High School students with hands on work experience through its Student Experience Initiative, giving them practical exposure to the construction industry, transferable skills and real-world experience.

More than 50 employees and subcontractors were supported through the delivery of the project.

Minister for Education and Training, and Member for Katherine Jo Hersey, said she was proud to advocate for the Katherine STEAM Centre and now see it delivered in Government.

“STEAM centres provide hands-on, real-world learning environments that prepare our children for the jobs of the future.” she said.

“I’m proud to have championed the Katherine STEAM centre while in opposition and to now deliver the funding to complete the project in government.

“As a strong advocate for regional equity in infrastructure and education, I can’t wait to see Katherine High School students making the most of all these fantastic new facilities.”

Students will be using the classrooms from the start of Term 3 on Tuesday, 15 July 2025.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

The Northern Territory Government’s Investment Summit will be held in Darwin from 15-17 July, bringing together more than 100 business leaders, investors and key stakeholders for the first event of its kind in the Northern Territory.

As part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s Rebuilding the Economy: NT Economy Strategy 2025, the three-day summit is hosted in partnership with the Darwin Major Business Group to showcase the Territory as a dynamic, innovative hub brimming with opportunity and economic potential.

Investors from around the world are travelling to Darwin bringing together companies from Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland, Vietnam, China, India, Kuwait, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Attendees span a diverse range of sectors, including agriculture, oil, gas, mining, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure, digital and defence.

Participants will gain first-hand insights at major investment opportunities, including the onshore Beetaloo Sub-basin, the emerging maritime repair and maintenance industry, new tourism ventures in the Litchfield region, and large-scale developments at the Middle Arm Precinct.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said the summit is a cornerstone of the CLP Government’s plan to rebuild the economy.

“The CLP is delivering on our year of action, certainty and security, holding the Investment Summit to demonstrate that the Northern Territory is open for businesses and full of potential," Ms Cahills said.

“We are working hard to make the Northern Territory the best place in Australia to do business. Investor confidence in the Territory’s energy sector is surging, with Beetaloo Energy Australia recently commencing the longest horizontal well drilled in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, with results expected as early as the third quarter this year.

“We are playing to our natural strengths in mining, defence, energy, agriculture and tourism and seeking partners with a strong, long-term commitment to developing these sectors. There has never been a better time to invest in the Northern Territory.”

Economic forecasts highlight this momentum. Deloitte Access Economics projects the Territory economy will grow by 5.1% in 2025-26, with an average growth rate of 3.3% per annum over the five years to 2029-30, the strongest of any jurisdiction in Australia. Business investment alone is forecast to grow by an average of 2.2% per annum over the same period.

Key highlights of the Investment Summit include:

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – The Bonaparte CCS Assessment Joint Venture (INPEX Browse E&P Pty Ltd 53% as Operator; TotalEnergies CCS Australia Pty Ltd 26%; and Woodside Energy Ltd 21%) today welcomed the Australian Government awarding Major Project Status to the Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project.

INPEX Managing Director and Country Chair Australia, Tetsu Murayama, said the announcement by Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, highlights the Bonaparte CCS Project’s recognised potential to support a lower carbon future.

“Being awarded Major Project Status is pleasing acknowledgement by the Australian Government of the Bonaparte CCS Project’s strategic importance in supporting the nation’s net zero goals. Significantly, this is the first offshore CCS project to receive Major Project Status in Australia.

“Appraisal works in 2024 confirmed a high-quality saline aquifer reservoir with thick sealing formations which appear suitable for safe and permanent carbon storage in the Bonaparte Basin, approximately 250 kilometres offshore Darwin. It is proving to be one of the most promising carbon dioxide (CO2) storage sites globally, with an anticipated capacity of more than 10 million tonnes per annum.

“This means the Bonaparte CCS Project could substantially contribute to decarbonising northern Australia and potentially the wider Indo-Pacific region.

“On behalf of the Bonaparte CCS Assessment Joint Venture, INPEX will continue engaging closely with community, and the Australian and Northern Territory governments to advance this significant project,” said Mr Murayama.

Preliminary front-end engineering design work commenced in April 2025 with first CO2 injection planned around 2030. The Ichthys Joint Venture is expected to be the anchor customer.

The Bonaparte CCS Assessment Joint Venture is now conducting detailed analysis of the reservoir appraisal data, to support a Declaration of Identified GHG Storage Formation application in advance of obtaining a greenhouse gas injection licence.

Media contact: Carina Peart; +61 451 399 660; carina.peart@inpex.com.au

Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage Project fact sheet

Source: INPEX

Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited (“Beetaloo Energy”) is pleased to advise that an On Country Meeting of the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Mambaliya Rrumburriya Wuyaliya Aboriginal Land Trust covering EP187 (“Traditional Owners”) was conducted on 24th and 25th June 2025.

The meeting was arranged by the Northern Land Council in accordance with the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) (“the Act”) and the Exploration Deed between Beetaloo Energy subsidiary Imperial Oil & Gas Pty Limited and the Northern Land Council.

At that meeting, the Traditional Owners consented to the sale of appraisal gas in accordance with Section 57AAA (5)(d) of the Petroleum Act 1984 (NT).

The package of benefits is being finalised between Beetaloo Energy and a committee of the Traditional Owners with the support of the Northern Land Council. The process of executing the agreement will then occur in accordance with the Act.

Beetaloo Energy will advise shareholders once that process reaches its conclusion.

Source: Beetaloo Energy Australia

In March 2025, the CLP Government announced it would responsibly increase regulated electricity prices by 3%, effective from 1 July 2025 - benefiting around 85,000 households and small-to-medium businesses.

The Territory Government in 2025 will invest $192 million to subsidise power prices for households and small businesses.

Thanks to this ongoing subsidy, the Northern Territory continues to enjoy some of the lowest electricity prices in the country.

Treasurer Bill Yan said the CLP Government remains focused on protecting Territorians from rising energy costs.

“We want the lowest possible prices for households while maintaining a reliable network,” Mr Yan said.

“These reforms make sure our electricity subsidy stays sustainable, so we can keep supporting households, small businesses and regional communities across the Territory.”

Treasurer Bill Yan said the government is acting to protect this critical support well into the future.

“The Community Service Obligation keeps power affordable across the Territory, without it, an average household in Darwin would be paying nearly 50% more, and even more in regional and remote areas,” Mr Yan said.

“These sensible reforms ensure we can maintain this support where it’s needed most, while keeping costs low for everyday Territorians.”

In 2025–26, the CLP Government will boost funding for the CSO by $51 million, bringing the total investment to $192 million to continue shielding Territorians from rising electricity supply costs.

Electricity Pricing Reforms will roll out in three stages:

Phase 1 – From 1 July 2025

·         A new tariff will apply for large commercial customers using between 500 and 750 MWh a year.

·         NT and Commonwealth Government agencies will move to full cost pricing.

·         The solar feed-in tariff will double to 18.66c/kWh for energy exported to the grid between 3pm and 9pm.

Phase 2 – From 1 January 2026

Households will move to a tiered pricing system: 

·         The first 55 kWh per day will be charged at the normal household rate.

·         Usage above that will be charged at a higher rate, equal to the rate applied to small businesses.

·          New time-of-use plans will be available for households and small businesses to give more choice and control over energy costs.

Phase 3 – From 1 July 2026

·         Daily charges for high voltage customers will move to full cost pricing.

·         Local government councils will also move to cost-reflective tariffs.

“These reforms are about long-term sustainability, keeping costs low where it matters most, while ensuring we can continue to subsidise electricity for Territorians in a fair and responsible way,” the Treasurer said.

To find out more information, visit the website. 

Source: Northern Territory Newsroom

Delivering on its year of action, certainty and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government has launched a new program to equip Territory businesses with the skills they need to grow, compete, and succeed.

Local businesses wanting to increase their profitability and performance can now access free and low-cost training under the CLP Government’s Flexible Skills and Training Response program.

A skilled workforce is vital to business success, but many Territory businesses face barriers to accessing training, including strict eligibility rules, high costs, and inflexible delivery schedules.

Building a bigger, better workforce is a key priority under the CLP Government’s Rebuilding the Economy: NT Economic Strategy 2025, and this program delivers on that commitment.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said the program is designed to overcome these barriers by delivering affordable training tailored to business needs.

“Small to medium businesses are the engine room of the Northern Territory economy – they are drivers of job creation, innovation, and economic diversification,” Ms Cahill said.

“This program recognises the need to build a workforce with the skills and capabilities needed to grow Territory businesses and rebuild the economy.

“Providing flexible training options is an enabler for business growth, increased employment, and a workforce the Territory needs both now and into the future.”

The Flexible Skills and Training Response program includes a series of face-to-face workshops addressing priority skills and development needs for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Territory.

Workshops are targeted at business owners and senior managers of Territory-based SMEs.

Seven providers have been registered under the program and will deliver workshops on topics including AI and automation, financial literacy, de-escalation training, crime prevention through environmental design, ICT systems, tender writing, and procurement skills.

Training will be delivered across every city centre and a number of remote communities over the next 6–12 months.

Michael Hawkes, Managing Director of Captovate, one of the registered providers, said the program directly responds to what local businesses are telling us they need. 

“We understand that the world of AI can feel overwhelming for many. Our aim through these workshops is to demystify AI and empower local businesses to innovate, stay competitive, and lead the way in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

For more information or to attend a training session in your region, visit the website.

Source: Northern Government Newsroom