Northern Territory business and government leaders have come together in Canberra to showcase their industries and talents and to urge the federal government and Australia to face north.

Organised by the Darwin Major Business Group and the Northern Territory Government, the Facing North Forum highlighted the NT’s strategic, economic, commercial and cultural capacity, and demonstrated how business and government can work together to accelerate NT development.

The annual forum returned after a three-year break due to the COVID pandemic, providing business leaders with an opportunity to discuss key initiatives for Northern Australia, including the refresh of the 2015 White Paper on Developing Northern Australia.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said the White Paper refresh will centre on the north’s growing contribution to the Australian economy, as well as opportunities for First Nations communities and businesses, and opportunities for climate adaptation in the north.

“The Northern Territory’s vital contribution to our north and our nation cannot be overstated,” Minister King said.

“With a population of around 250,000, the NT contributes an impressive $61.5 billion to the Australian economy.

“The Northern Territory’s globally significant critical mineral reserves and renewable energy sources will help the nation drive the development of Australia’s future net-zero economy.

“The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) will continue to drive economic opportunity in the north with $7 billion in finance for transformation infrastructure projects, including for crucial critical minerals projects.”

For more information on how the Government is delivering for the north, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/regional-australia/office-northern-australia.

The Hon Madeleine King MP

Minister for Northern Australia