Northern Territory Government Newsroom

February

28 February 2009
Launch Of Key Resource For Central Australian Youth
Young Central Australians with mental health issues will be helped to develop essential life skills with the opening of headspace Central Australia today.

27 February 2009
Paul Henderson - Business Support for Alice Clontarf
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today called on Alice Springs businesses to get behind the town’s Clontarf football programs.

26 February 2009
Karl Hampton - AFL Back in Alice
Top Class footy returns to Alice Springs tomorrow evening with the pre-season AFL NAB match between the West Coast Eagles and Adelaide Crows.

Kon Vatskalis - Conlan campaigning against oncology unit
Shadow Health Minister, Matt Conlan, has once again shown himself to be deliberately deceptive when it comes to the health of Territorians.

Declaration To Protect Darwin Harbour Relics
The last of six catalina wrecks found sunken in Darwin Harbour from World War II has been placed under an Interim Conservation Order by Heritage Minister Alison Anderson.

Rob Knight - LIBERAL OPPOSITION WRONG ON HOUSING
In an amazing lack of understanding about the work currently underway to improve housing for Indigenous Territorians – Senator Nigel Scullion has misled Territorians and his leader Malcolm Turnbull.

Karl Hampton - New Store for Ti Tree
Minister for Regional Development Karl Hampton has congratulated Outback Stores and the community of Ti Tree on the new store opened in the Central Australian town today.

Delia Lawrie - Next Step Towards Better Power and Water
The next step has been taken to ensure the best power and water services are delivered to Territorians.

Dr Chris Burns - Ormiston Gorge has new Viewing Platform
The Northern Territory Government has provided $100,000 to construct a viewing platform over the magnificent Ormiston Gorge in Central Australia.

Paul Henderson - Put the Territory First
The Northern Territory Government today launched a campaign urging Territorians to put the Territory first and buy locally.

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25 February 2009
Paul Henderson - CitySafe Night Patrol on the Beat in the City
A dedicated unit of ten police officers is now patrolling Darwin City Centre at night as part of Operation ‘CitySafe’.

Paul Henderson - Honouring a Millennium of Public Service
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson today congratulated 79 public servants with more than a millennium of experience between them.

Rob Knight - SIHIP - Delivering Jobs In Central Australia
Sixteen Tennant Creek residents have become the first Indigenous Territorians to start a traineeship under the landmark Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP).

Delia Lawrie - Smith Street Walkway Given Green Light
The $3.2 million Smith Street walkway between the Mall and the Waterfront is one step closer following last night’s Darwin City Council approval of the concept plans.

Territory Lends A Hand To Victorian Bushfire Response
Northern Territory Government Parks and Wildlife staff will this week fly to Melbourne to take part in the Victorian bushfire relief effort.

Paul Henderson - Tribute to a Great Man
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson has paid tribute to the late Tony Fitzgerald.

Dr Chris Burns - Vision and Action Plan for The Centre
The Northern Territory Government today launched a new tourism vision for Alice Springs and the Red Centre.

24 February 2009
Rob Knight - 100 Hear Of Job Opportunities
More than 100 Central Australian business owners and operators attended an industry forum in Alice Springs last night to hear of job opportunities from a landmark housing and infrastructure program.

Paul Henderson - Closing the Gap
Chief Minister Paul Henderson and Indigenous Policy Minister Alison Anderson today released the first progress report on the implementation of the Territory Government’s $300 million Closing the Gap initiative.

Dr Chris Burns - Helping Sell the Red Centre to Korea
The Northern Territory Government is hosting Korean travel agents as part of a program to boost the Territory’s profile as a holiday destination within emerging tourism markets.

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23 February 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Extra Flights Highlight Confidence in the NT
The Northern Territory Tourism Minister Chris Burns said news of increased flights to the Territory is a vote of confidence in our economy.

Kon Vatskalis - Health Minister launches one-stop shop for cancer services
A new website developed by the Cancer Services Networks National Demonstration Program (CanNET), and funded by Cancer Australia, will give cancer patients and loved ones a full range of information about cancer and cancer services.

Rob Knight - Industry Forums To Begin In Central Australia
Central Australian business owners and operators will this week have the opportunity to hear about how they can benefit from a record housing and infrastructure program rolling out across the Territory.

Dr Chris Burns - National Geographic Helps Promote Kakadu
The Northern Territory Government today launched a $1.8 million global marketing campaign that will underpin Kakadu and the Northern Territory’s status as a must-do destination within international markets.

Kon Vatskalis - Planning for the future of recreational fishing
Nominations are being called for people interested in helping map out the long term future of recreational fishing in the Northern Territory.

22 February 2009
Karl Hampton - Arafura Games on Track
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton is confident the 2009 Arafura Games will be a great success after chairing the annual Games Heads of Delegation meeting.

Paul Henderson - National Day Of Mourning
Chief Minister Paul Henderson has conveyed condolences on the behalf of all Territorians to Victoria’s Premier John Brumby following the tragic fires in that state.

20 February 2009
Karl Hampton - Arafura Games Heads of Delegation Meeting
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today heads to Macau to attend the Arafura Games Heads of Delegation meeting.

Kon Vatskalis - MRM Independent Monitor Report Released
The first ever Independent Monitor’s report on the McArthur River Mine has been released to the community.

Paul Henderson - Territorians Rally in Support of Bushfire Victims
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today congratulated police and emergency services workers on their efforts to raise funds for the bushfire recovery in Victoria.

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Paul Henderson - Territory Government Welcomes MRM Decision
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed the decision by Federal Environment Minister Peter Garret to approve mining at the McArthur River mine.

19 February 2009
Karl Hampton / Paul Henderson - ALICE SPRINGS YOUTH ACTION PLAN
Chief Minister Paul Henderson and Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton today released a no-nonsense action plan to tackle youth crime and antisocial behaviour in Alice Springs.

Paul Henderson - Better Understanding of Bombing of Darwin
Chief Minister Paul Henderson announced today that a new book giving an account of the bombing of Darwin would be stocked by all secondary and middle schools in the Northern Territory.

Paul Henderson - Chief Minister Takes Up Dodson Challenge
Chief Minister and Education Minister Paul Henderson has congratulated Australian of the Year Mick Dodson for making education his focus for the next 12 months.

Kon Vatskalis - Conlan Can’t Handle the Truth…
Opposition Health Spokesman, Matt Conlan, continues to show his complete contempt for the Northern Territory health system.

Rob Knight - Improving on Public Service – Have Your Say
Time is running out for Territorians to have their say about a review of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act.

18 February 2009
Kon Vatskalis - China Initiative Paying Dividends For NT Resources
The Henderson Government’s China Minerals Investment Attraction Strategy has resulted in yet another significant Chinese investment announcement for the Northern Territory resources industry.

Karl Hampton - Territory Government Supports Rugby League
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today announced Northern Territory Government support for Territory sides to compete in the Junior National Rugby League competition.

Delia Lawrie / Malarndirri McCarthy / Paul Henderson - World First For Mandatory Reporting of Domestic Violence
In a world first, the reporting of domestic violence will become mandatory, following the passage of groundbreaking new laws in Parliament today.

17 February 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Exploration activity in the Northern Territory still strong
Exploration companies are encouraged to apply for the second round of the Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations program which assists with the cost of exploring new areas.

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Delia Lawrie - More Notice Of Expert Evidence In Supreme Court Jury Trials
The Henderson Government will provide an even greater level of fairness in Supreme Court jury trials by no longer allowing defence lawyers to call expert witnesses without prior notice.

Paul Henderson - Youth Crime Unit and Extra Patrol Part of Safer Streets
An extra 27 police have been delivered and are now on patrol, under the Territory Government’s Safer Streets initiative.

16 February 2009
Paul Henderson - Cutting Red Tape to Boost Economic Activity
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced the biggest shake-up of government planning and procurement processes for many years.

Rob Knight - Opportunities for Business from Record Housing Program
Business owners and operators are being encouraged to attend free industry forums to hear how they could benefit from a record housing and infrastructure program being rolled out across the Territory.

15 February 2009
Rob Knight - Fire And Rescue Service Accepts Pay Offer
Minister for Public Employment Rob Knight today announced the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service has accepted the Government’s latest pay offer.

Dr Chris Burns - Monday Sittings About Transparent Parliament
Leader of Government Chris Burns said the first Monday Sittings day under the new expanded Parliamentary calendar will make Parliament even more transparent, open and accountable.

Paul Henderson - Summit Kick Starts NT Economic Activity
An industry reference group and a dedicated website will be established to ensure maximum cooperation between the Territory Government and the private sector as they work on infrastructure projects funded through the Rudd Government’s economic stimulus package.

13 February 2009
Paul Henderson - Chief Minister Welcomes Go Ahead for Stimulus Package
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed the passing of the Rudd Government’s economic stimulus package, saying it was a great day for the Territory.

Entries Open For 26th Telstra Awards
Entries for preselection in the 26th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards are open from today.

Dr Chris Burns - Improving Tourism Industry’s Internet Marketing
Territory tourism operators have the chance to boost their internet profile and increase their share of the market with the help of the Northern Territory Government.

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Paul Henderson - NT Thunder Guernsey Unveiled
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today urged all Territorians to get behind the NT Thunder this season at the launch of the team’s inaugural playing guernsey for the 2009 AFLQ season.

Karl Hampton - Territory Sports Night of Nights
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today announced Olympic Swimming Coach Laurie Lawrence as the guest speaker for the 2009 Northern Territory Sports Awards.

12 February 2009
Rob Knight - Antisocial Behaviour Officers
The Northern Territory Government is cracking down on antisocial behaviour in Territory Housing properties.

Gerry McCarthy - Clamps Tighten On Hoons
Police will have the power to immediately impound or immobilise vehicles involved in hooning activities under Northern Territory Government amendments to the Traffic Act.

Paul Henderson - CLP Opposition Sell Out Alice Springs
The CLP Opposition has sold out Alice Springs to the tune of more than $66 million by voting against the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

Paul Henderson - CLP Opposition Sells Out East Arnhem
The CLP Opposition has sold out East Arnhem to the tune of more than $28 million by voting against the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

Paul Henderson - CLP Opposition Sells Out Jabiru
The CLP Opposition has sold out Jabiru to the tune of more than $11 million by voting against the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

Paul Henderson - CLP Opposition Sells Out Katherine
The CLP Opposition has sold out Katherine to the tune of more than $32 million by voting against the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

Paul Henderson - CLP Opposition Sells Out Tennant Creek
The CLP Opposition has sold out Tennant Creek to the tune of more than $11 million by voting against the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

Paul Henderson - CLP Sells Out Darwin and Palmerston
The CLP Opposition has sold out Darwin and Palmerston to the tune of about $300 million by voting against the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

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Delia Lawrie - More Than $2m Worth of New Projects Put Out To Tender
The Northern Territory Government is continuing to support Territory jobs and businesses with more than $2 million worth of new tenders being called for today.

Paul Henderson - New Era for Territory Corrections
The Northern Territory Government today announced a new era in corrections, including the innovative design of the new Doug Owston Correctional Facility and the establishment of work camps in regional areas.

Paul Henderson - The CLP Opposition Sells Out the Territory
The CLP Opposition has sold out the Territory to the tune of more than $450 million by voting against the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

11 February 2009
Delia Lawrie - Legislative Amendment To Provide Greater Certainty
The Henderson Government today moved to amend the Evidence Act to clarify and expand the classes of person authorised to take recorded statements from vulnerable witnesses.

Paul Henderson - Liberals First - Territorians Second
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today said the CLP Opposition had this afternoon proved they were Liberals first and Territorians second.

Supercroc Exhibition Set To Open At Museum
An exhibition that charts the evolution of crocodiles opens tomorrow at the Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory.

Paul Henderson - Upgrades for Schools Across the Territory
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today visited Parap Primary to inspect plans for a major infrastructure upgrade at the school.

Kon Vatskalis - Working towards a better deal for the Territory’s drought affected pastoralists
Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry, Kon Vatskalis, will tomorrow fly to Canberra to meet with his Federal and State counterparts to discuss drought policy reforms and biosecurity.

10 February 2009
Dr Chris Burns - CLP Turns Back On Territory
CLP Senator Nigel Scullion has once and for all shown where his allegiances lie after arguing against new buildings and upgrades in every Territory primary school.

9 February 2009
Rob Knight - Boosting Short Term Accommodation – Applications Closing
Community organisations have one more week to lodge Expressions of Interest in the management of three short term accommodation facilities in the Territory.

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Paul Henderson - Bushfire Relief – Footy and Payroll Deductions
Chief Minister Paul Henderson said today the Northern Territory Government had agreed to move Friday’s scheduled AFL NAB Cup game from Darwin to Melbourne.

Chamber's Pillar Joint Management Plan Now On Display
A draft joint management plan for the Chamber’s Pillar Historical Reserve is now open for public comment.

Karl Hampton - Imparja Cup Cricket Carnival Begins
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton has welcomed players to the Imparja Cup cricket carnival which is being played in Alice Springs this week.

Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council
The Northern Territory Government is pleased to announce the appointment of the Territory’s first Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council.

Paul Henderson - Minister Steps Aside Due To Poor Health
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today thanked Marion Scrymgour for her support as Deputy Chief Minister since November 2007.

Paul Henderson - New Cabinet
Minister Delia Lawrie is the new Deputy Chief Minister and Attorney-General, following Marion Scrymgour’s decision to stand down due to poor health.

Dr Chris Burns - Supporting Local Business during Tough Times
A new Northern Territory Government initiative will help local businesses to get the most out of their business in the current economic climate.

8 February 2009
Paul Henderson - Condolences to Bushfire Victims
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today extended his condolences to the victims of the Victorian bushfires and their families.

6 February 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Apprentices to Join Workforce
The Northern Territory has 21 new skilled workers after their successful completion of the Northern Territory Public Sector Apprenticeship Program.

Karl Hampton - Countdown to Arafura Games Begins
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today inspected the new home of the Arafura Games at Marrara.

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Dr Chris Burns - Get CeNTred in the Territory
The Red Centre will be pushed as a must see destination for Australian travellers as part of the second phase of the Northern Territory Government’s Get CeNTred marketing campaign which begins tomorrow.

Kon Vatskalis - Mango Research and Development Workshop
The future direction of research and development in the mango industry will be discussed over the next two days at a workshop to be held in Darwin.

Karl Hampton - Masters Games Have Huge Economic Impact
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today released figures that revealed the significant economic boost the 12th Alice Springs Masters Games provided to the Territory, with over $8.4m million spent in association with the 2008 Games.

Paul Henderson - Operation Stimulus
Chief Minister Paul Henderson said the Territory Government was going into overdrive to get work started on the projects funded through the Federal Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

5 February 2009
Rob Knight - Final Report Released
Essential Services Minister Rob Knight today said Power and Water will implement all the recommendations from the Final Report into the failures at the Casuarina Zone Substation.

Kon Vatskalis - NEW HEALTH MINISTER VISITS ROYAL DARWIN HOSPITAL
New Northern Territory Health Minister, Kon Vatskalis, has wasted no time familiarising himself with his new portfolio, visiting Royal Darwin Hospital today.

Delia Lawrie - Stimulus Package Worth $200 Million For Territory
Treasurer Delia Lawrie said today the Northern Territory Government had thrown its full support behind the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

4 February 2009
Paul Henderson - Jobs, Education and Training
Chief Minister Paul Henderson has refreshed his Cabinet to implement the comprehensive reforms underway in the Territory – with the focus to be on jobs.

Delia Lawrie - Terry Mills Must Support $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan
Treasurer Delia Lawrie today called on Opposition Leader Terry Mills to put Territorians ahead of his Liberal colleagues in Canberra and support the Rudd Government’s $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan.

Paul Henderson - Weddell to be the Territory’s New City
The Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced that Weddell would be the Territory’s new city.

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3 February 2009
Paul Henderson - Chief Minister Welcomes Economic Boost
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed the Rudd Government’s economic stimulus package, saying it would provide a big boost for the Territory economy.

Frogs tell us our wetlands are in good health
The well-being of the frog community could prove an accurate barometer to gauge the broader health of our wetlands.

2 February 2009
Paul Henderson - Focus on Better Literacy and Numeracy Across the Territory
The Northern Territory Government is committed to all students across the Territory reaching their full academic potential.

Delia Lawrie - More Houses To Be Built In Katherine
At least 35 new housing lots will be developed in Katherine within the next two years following the sale of two blocks totalling 3.47 hectares along Casuarina Street at the weekend.

Kon Vatskalis - Recreational Fishing Survey begins
The fishing habits of Territorians will be put under the spotlight as part of a comprehensive survey to gauge current levels of participation, the overall catch and how long anglers spend indulging in the popular pastime.

Rob Knight - Temporary Switchboard Installed
A temporary switchboard has now been installed at the Casuarina Zone Substation to replace the one damaged as a result of the failed circuit breaker in September 2008.