Territorians are encouraged to have their say on the draft Territory Coordinator Bill, which will re-define the way business is done in the Northern Territory.
The Territory Coordinator delivers on a commitment made to Territorians at both the 2020 and 2024 elections.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Territory Coordinator was an independent statutory officer, streamlining coordination for projects of significance, and enhancing the Territory's economic competitiveness.
"Territorians have given us the job to deliver change for the better and this economic reform will enable the Territory to focus on our key economic strengths in mining, energy, agriculture, tourism and defence as we rebuild the Territory's economy," she said.
"This economic reform will be the most widely consulted on piece of game-changing legislation in a decade.
"Not only have we put out a public discussion paper to help inform the draft Bill, the next three months will be spent consulting and refining the draft Bill so it is ready for introduction in the February 2025 sittings of Parliament.
"The draft Bill will then be referred to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee for additional oversight before coming before Parliament in March for debate.
"Consultation on the draft Bill is open to all Territorians and I encourage them to have their say on this important reform."
Mrs Finocchiaro also today announced long-term Territorian Stuart Knowles as the interim Territory Coordinator.
"Stuart has extensive experience across both private and public sectors and brings a wealth of local knowledge through his deep connections and understanding of the Northern Territory's unique challenges and opportunities," she said.
"As interim Territory Coordinator, he will get straight to work on establishing the office so it is ready to hit the ground running Q2 2025."
The public's feedback on the draft Bill will help shape the final functions and powers of the Territory Coordinator, ensuring the office effectively drives development while carefully considering environmental, social, and economic impacts.
"The current status quo will not deliver a safer Territory or better opportunities, and we all owe it to our children, and future generations, to get this economic reform right," said Mrs Finocchiaro.
"For five-and-a-half years under Labor, the Northern Territory was the worst performing economy in Australia.
"The Territory's population went backwards, there were no new major projects for eight years, public sector investment has significantly outpaced private sector investment which hit record lows under Labor, and all this was topped off by a crime crisis which has also contributed to our economic stagnation."
From June 2004 until June 2024, public investment in the Territory increased by 190.8%, while private business investment increased by only 33.9% over the same period.
Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said: "The Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission (TERC) and Langoulant Plan for Budget Repair both recommended an immediate overhaul of the major projects process and highlighted the need for a 'single point of coordination'. That is what the CLP is delivering."
"Labor failed to prioritise revenue-generating projects, instead sinking the Territory $9 billion into the red with no plan for economic growth, no plan to manage debt, no plan to tackle crime, and no vision for the Territory's future," said Mr Maley.
"There is no shortage of opportunities here in the Territory. Encouraging and supporting private investment is key to building independent revenue streams, creating jobs, and accelerating economic growth.
"In 11 weeks since winning the election, our CLP Government has hit the ground running rebuilding the economy.
"From January 1, our payroll tax reforms will make life easier for businesses, our HomeGrown Territory grants of up to $50,000 are helping Territorians get a foot in the door of their own homes, and we have backed gas development in the Beetaloo Basin.
"However, we need to do more to boost our economy and create jobs, and the Territory Coordinator has an incredibly important role to play. The CLP Government is cutting red tape, not cutting corners."
Key features of the Bill include:
· The 'Primary Principle' provides an overarching guide for use of all powers;
· The ability to request information or direct a public entity to coordinate actions with other public entities;
· Undertake public consultation regarding significant projects, program of works and Territory Development Area;
· Limitations to the exercise of powers and parliamentary oversight including disallowance;
· Limited exemption powers specific to significant projects, program of works and Territory Development Area;
· Prioritisation, progression, decision making timeframes and step-in processes.
"Through the Territory Coordinator, the current mishmash of processes and powers will be pulled together under a strategic, transparent and accountable model of decision-making," said Mrs Finocchiaro.
"Territorians deserve certainty, and a strong economy will deliver more police, better hospitals and schools. While other states move forward, the NT cannot afford to be left behind.
"In the long run, this economic reform will change the lives of everyday Territorians. We are eager to hear the community's feedback on the draft Territory Coordinator Bill on how we can make it easier to do business in the Northern Territory."
Visit [http://cmc.nt.gov.au/territory-coordinator] to review the draft Bill and share your feedback, or email [[email protected]] until 17 January, 2025.
STUART KNOWLES BIOGRAPHY
A long-time Territorian with a background in the armed forces and transportation sector, Stuart Knowles previously worked with the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet prior to joining Inpex as Compliance Approvals Manager in 2014 looking after the regulatory requirements needed for constructing, commissioning and operating the mega project.
Knowles went on to ascend to the General Manager NT as Inpex stepped up its efforts towards decarbonisation.
After 10 years with Inpex, Knowles joined consulting firm, Scyne Advisory as the Managing Director Northern Territory.
(Image of Stuart Knowles attached)
