The Northern Territory plays a crucial role in the defence of our country and reaffirming our support for the Australia-US Alliance is at the top of the agenda for the Chief Minister's United States visit.
The Chief Minister is currently in Washington meeting with key decision makers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bureau of Energy Resources, the Australian Defence Force and the US Defence Force.
In a meeting with the Under Secretary of Navy, Erik Raven at the Pentagon, the Chief Minister discussed how the Territory is well positioned to support increased US investment in defence, maritime security, energy, and digital communications.
Under Secretary Raven serves as the Department of Navy's Chief Operating Officer and Chief Management Officer. He is responsible for providing oversight and policy for defence and naval strategy, intelligence and intelligence-related activities, space activities, critical infrastructure and small business programs.
The Chief Minister also met with the Assistant Secretary of Defence, Dr Ely Ratner to reinforce the Territory's defence industry capacity and capability in delivering US defence infrastructure projects. Discussions included the Marine Industry Park and Ship Lift, northern training ranges, and opportunities from our industrial scale solar generation capacity. Assistant Secretary Ratner is responsible for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, advising the Department of Defence on international security strategy and policy that relate to the nations and international organizations of the Asia-Pacific, its governments and defence establishments.
In addition to defence, the role of the Territory's natural resources, critical minerals, rare earths and developing industrial-scale renewable energy projects that can support regional energy security and transition is on the agenda.
The Chief Minister's visit of Washington continues before she heads to Los Angeles and San Diego to continue meetings on defence, energy and tourism.
Quotes from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
"The Northern Territory plays a key role in the defence of our country and will continue to do so well into the future.
"The Territory is about to be home to billions of dollars in defence investment - this is an incredibly important industry not only for the defence of our country, but for our economy, supporting jobs and numerous businesses.
"As Chief Minister, I am ensuring that the Northern Territory continues to remain at the forefront of everyone's minds when it comes to investment, not only in defence, but also critical minerals and renewable energy".
Northern Territory Government
