Northern Territory Government Newsroom

March

30 March 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Mills Needs to Stand up for Territory Trade
The Northern Territory Business Minister Chris Burns said the Federal Liberal leader’s comments about China are divisive and ill informed.

Kon Vatskalis - Radiation Oncology Unit on track
Work on the $19 million radiation oncology unit at Royal Darwin Hospital has hit the halfway mark.

Paul Henderson - Recognising Territory Innovation
The Chief Minister Paul Henderson today visited the premises of the latest Northern Territory trade success story.

Delia Lawrie - Tough New Bikie Laws
The Northern Territory will introduce tough new laws to prevent illegal bike gangs pushed out of other areas, ending up in the Territory.

Karl Hampton - Upgraded Rail Crossing for Alice Springs
Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton today inspected the new boom gates and warning lights at the upgraded Ilparpa Road rail crossing.

29 March 2009
EnvironmeNT Grants Call For Entries
Applications are now being sought for the latest round of EnvironmeNT grants.

Delia Lawrie / Paul Henderson - Leanyer Water Park Slides Open
The eagerly awaited waterslides at the Leanyer Recreation Park were officially opened today by the Chief Minister Paul Henderson.

Malarndirri McCarthy - Minister Thanks NT’s Special Carer Families
NT Children and Families Minister Malarndirri McCarthy today marked National Foster Carer Day by urging Territorians to seriously consider becoming a Foster Carer.

28 March 2009
Malarndirri McCarthy - The Territory Celebrates Our Young Achiever Award Winners
STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 11.30pm SATURDAY MARCH 28 ..Nine young Territorians were tonight recognised for their outstanding achievements at the NT Young Achiever Awards.

27 March 2009
Karl Hampton - $795 000 to Upgrade Sports Facilities
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today announced $795 000 in funding to upgrade Territory sports facilities.

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Karl Hampton - Des Abbott named NT Sportsperson of the Year
Olympian Des Abbot was tonight named the Sportsperson of the Year at the 2009 Northern Territory Sports Awards in Darwin.

Rob Knight - Housing Minister’s Meet In Adelaide
Minister for Housing Rob Knight will today join his national counterparts at the Housing Minister’s Conference in Adelaide.

Delia Lawrie / Paul Henderson - Leanyer Waterslides Get New Names
Three thrillseeking kids are going to be the first to ride the new waterslides at the Leanyer Recreation Park on Sunday after winning a competition to name the red, yellow and blue slides

Malarndirri McCarthy - Make A Move! Get Involved In Youth Week 2009!!
Young Territorians are being urged to “Make a Move” and celebrate the upcoming National Youth Week with a range of sporting and recreational activities across the Territory.

Kon Vatskalis - NT Cattleman’s Association Celebrates 25 Years
The Minister for Primary Industry, Kon Vatskalis, has congratulated the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association (NTCA) for 25 years of service to the pastoral industry.

Paul Henderson - NT Thunder Ready to Roll in 2009
Chief Minister Paul Henderson will tonight attend the official launch of the Northern Territory Thunder.

26 March 2009
Paul Henderson - Darwin Amphitheatre Rocks
A stellar line-up will rock the Darwin Amphitheatre for this year’s Savings and Loans BASSINTHEGRASS festival.

Gerry McCarthy - New Bus Service Set to Begin
Minister for Transport Gerry McCarthy today announced a new public bus service for the Cullen Bay and Bayview residential areas.

Territorians Urged To Participate In Earth Hour
The Northern Territory Government is committed to playing its part to address climate change, and is encouraging all Territorians to also do their part.

25 March 2009
Rob Knight - Consultation Around Power Lines Underway
Minister for Essential Services Rob Knight is committed to consulting with the Alice Springs community about Power Lines along the Stuart Highway.

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Delia Lawrie - Focus Continues on Infrastructure to Support Economy
Treasurer Delia Lawrie today told Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan that the Territory was fast-tracking projects funded by the Commonwealth’s $42 billion Stimulus Package at the Treasurer’s Conference in Canberra today.

Kon Vatskalis - Full Time Workers In Territory Mining Industry Up By 10%
Resources Minister Kon Vatskalis welcomed reports from the NT Resource Council indicating that there has been a 10% increase in full time workers in the Territory’s mining sector

Paul Henderson - Growing the Territory and Protecting Jobs
The Chief Minister Paul Henderson has outlined a dynamic plan to further develop the Northern Territory and protect jobs in the future.

Rob Knight - Improving Power in Palmerston
Work has begun on a new $26 million Sub Station for Palmerston to meet the growing power demands of one of the Territory’s fastest growing areas.

Malarndirri McCarthy - Launch of NT Government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy
The Territory Government launched its Suicide Prevention Strategy yesterday which takes a whole of Government and community approach to this social tragedy, Children and Families Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said

Territorians Invited To Have Their Say On Darwin Harbour
Territorians are being encouraged to comment on the draft Darwin Harbour Regional Management Strategic Framework 2009-2013, which has been publicly released today.

24 March 2009
Kon Vatskalis / Paul Henderson - Chinese Delegation in town for AGES
The largest group of Chinese mining and exploration representatives to visit the Northern Territory are in Alice Springs today for the Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES).

Kon Vatskalis - Minister expresses condolences to family of man who died from Murray Valley encephalitis
Health Minister, Kon Vatskalis, has expressed his sincere condolences to the family of Theofilis Maglis on their tragic loss.

Karl Hampton - NTIS Sports Announced
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today announced that four new sports will be included in the new Northern Territory Institute of Sport squad scholarship programs.

Kon Vatskalis - Promoting investment in the Northern Territory at the 2009 Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar
Northern Territory Minister for Resources, Kon Vatskalis, has officially opened the 2009 Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar conference in Alice Springs which is being attended by 32 international delegates looking for exploration opportunities in the Northern Territory.

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Dr Chris Burns - Protecting Territory Jobs
The Northern Territory Government has participated in the first of the Major Project Forums – with INPEX General Manager Sean Kildare the guest speaker at the Convention Centre.

Delia Lawrie - Time Running Out To Name Leanyer Recreation Park Slides
Time is running out to take part in the name-the-slide competition, where you get the chance to name one of the brand new waterslides which will officially open at the new Leanyer Recreation Park this Sunday.

23 March 2009
Karl Hampton - Free Computers for Community Groups
Minister for Information, Communications and Technology Policy Karl Hampton today visited Incite Youth Arts Centre in Alice Springs as they received computers free of charge from the NT Government.

Delia Lawrie - Plan for Alice Springs Growth
Planning Minister Delia Lawrie today released the Alice Springs Planning for the Future Forum Action Plan, and announced an Alice Springs Steering Committee to ensure its implementation.

Paul Henderson - Territory Government Welcomes Indigenous Commitment
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed the Rudd Government’s funding commitment to Northern Territory Indigenous communities.

22 March 2009
Olive Pink Botanic Gardens Given Heritage Protection
Alice Springs’ iconic Olive Pink Botanic Garden is now recognised as a place of historical value under the Heritage Conservation Act.

21 March 2009
Malarndirri McCarthy - Everyone Belongs: Harmony Day 2009
Three Territorians were last night awarded the prestigious Charles See Kee Awards as part of Harmony Day celebrations in the Top End – celebrated nationally today.

Karl Hampton - Footy Fever in the Top End
A weekend of football fever gets underway today in the Top End with the NTFL football grand final this afternoon followed by tomorrow’s famous Tiwi Islands grand final.

20 March 2009
Rob Knight - Accommodation Providers Sought
Community Organisations are being urged to submit their applications for Territory Government funding to provide accommodation for people with special needs and those in crisis.

Paul Henderson - Buy in the Territory Logo Available for Businesses
Chief Minister Paul Henderson said today businesses could access the Buy in the Territory logo and other material such as stickers by first visiting the Territory Government’s Buy Territory website.

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Malarndirri McCarthy - Creating Tomorrow in Milingimbi
The Northern Territory Government and the community of Milingimbi have committed to creating a new tomorrow through the signing of a Remote Learning Partnership Agreement (RLPA).

Malarndirri McCarthy - Domestic Violence Ads To Tell Territorians: You Must Report
The first in a series of targeted advertisements informing Territorians that domestic and family violence reporting is now law have begun across the Territory.

Karl Hampton - First Solar City Celebrations
Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton has congratulated Alice Springs residents on getting behind the Alice Solar City initiative as it celebrates its first year of operation today.

Rob Knight - Improving Essential Services in Remote Central Australian Communities
The Territory Government will invest $67 million in Budget 2009 to improve power, water and sewerage services in remote Indigenous communities, including $18.9 million for infrastructure.

19 March 2009
Delia Lawrie - $12 Million Stimulus Boost Rolls Out For Roads
Twelve million dollars in extra roads projects are set to flow through the Territory economy as part of the Rudd Government’s $42 billion stimulus package.

Alice Springs' Bushfires NT Volunteers Lauded For Service
Parks and Wildlife Minister Alison Anderson today congratulated Central Australian bushfire brigade volunteers on their service to Territorians, and handed over equipment to bolster fire control and mitigation efforts in the centre of the Territory.

Dr Chris Burns - Backpackers Bucking The Trend
The Northern Territory Government has launched a new promotion to increase the number of backpackers visiting the Territory.

Rob Knight - Community Infrastructure Funding Welcomed
The Henderson Government has welcomed further funding for local infrastructure programs to be delivered in Territory.

Delia Lawrie - Dwelling Commencements Soar In December Quarter
Economic measures aimed at boosting housing activity have led to a strong growth in the number of Northern Territory dwelling commencements in the 2008 December quarter.

Kon Vatskalis - Minister to discuss Mines, Pearls and Agriculture in Perth
Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources Minister, Kon Vatskalis, is in Perth today to promote investment in the Northern Territory.

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Delia Lawrie - Operation Stimulus Industry Reference Group
Treasurer Delia Lawrie today announced the make-up of the Industry Reference Group formed to support the Territory Government’s roll out of projects under the Rudd Government’s $500 million stimulus package.

Delia Lawrie - Significant Boost To Bagot Road Upgrades
The Henderson Government has almost tripled its funding allocation to improve Bagot Road.

Karl Hampton - Softball Program for Remote Communities Launched
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today launched a new softball competition that will encourage women in remote communities to participate in sport and recreation.

18 March 2009
Michael Gunner - Exit Art Award
An innovative collection of jewellery has won this year’s Chief Minister’s Award at the annual Exit Art exhibition.

Karl Hampton - Hockey Camp for Darwin
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today welcomed the announcement Hockey Australia will hold the Men’s Junior World Cup training camp and team selection trials in Darwin next month.

Kon Vatskalis - Rheumatic Fever DVD translated into Yolgnu
An educational DVD aimed at raising community awareness of acute rheumatic fever has been translated into Yolngu Matha to improve Indigenous health.

Paul Henderson - Territory Continues to Grow
The Northern Territory continues to record strong population growth, with a 2.2% increase in the September quarter, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures

Kon Vatskalis - WA Bee Ban
The Minister for Primary Industry, Kon Vatskalis, has prohibited the entry of all live packaged bees in to the Northern Territory.

17 March 2009
Paul Henderson - Cut in Red Tape to Boost Territory Economy
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced comprehensive changes to procurement so the Territory can take full advantage of the Federal Government’s $42 billion stimulus package

Paul Henderson - Honouring a Brave Soldier
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson has offered his condolences to the family of a soldier from a Territory-based unit killed in southern Afghanistan yesterday.

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Karl Hampton - No School No Service
Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton today called on Alice Springs businesses to play their part in getting kids to school by supporting the No School No Service code of practice.

Paul Henderson / Rob Knight - Operation Stimulus Work Starts in the Territory
The first work to flow from the first instalment of the Rudd Government’s stimulus package has started in the Territory, with further work set to start within weeks.

Malarndirri McCarthy - Statehood Taken To Federal Politicians
Minister for Statehood Malarndirri McCarthy is travelling to Canberra today to update Federal politicians on the Territory’s next step on the path to Statehood.

16 March 2009
Kon Vatskalis - A way forward for Royal Darwin Hospital
Health Minister, Kon Vatskalis, today publicly released 4 important independent reports relating to the security and management of Royal Darwin Hospital.

Paul Henderson - Bonuses for Apprentice Employers
The Northern Territory Government has further financial incentives available to encourage businesses to take on apprentices and trainees.

15 March 2009
Karl Hampton - Grass Roots Grants Awarded
Sport and Recreation Minister Karl Hampton today announced the sporting groups who were successful in receiving a Grass Roots Sports Grant.

Delia Lawrie - New Leanyer Recreation Park Waterslides Opening Soon
The $5.2 million redevelopment of Leanyer Recreation Park is almost complete with three new 14m tall waterslides opening to the public on Sunday, 29 March 2008.

13 March 2009
Paul Henderson - Leanyer: Latest School to be Upgraded
A Darwin company has been awarded the contract for a $2 million upgrade of facilities at Leanyer Primary School.

Karl Hampton - Tennant Creek Foundation Celebration
Minister for Regional Development, Karl Hampton has today celebrated the establishment of the Tennant Creek Foundation, a new business initiative which aims to provide employment opportunities and protect local cultural icons.

12 March 2009
Dr Chris Burns - More Virgin Flights Coming To Darwin
The Northern Territory Government has welcomed the great news from Virgin Blue today that it will begin operating 13 more flights into Darwin every week.

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Gerry McCarthy - New Scheme for Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts
Minister for Transport Gerry McCarthy today announced a new scheme for car enthusiasts that will allow them to access discounted rates of vehicle registration.

Delia Lawrie - Territory Employment Bucks National Trend
Two economic indicators released by the ABS this week highlight the fundamental strength of the Territory’s economy despite the global financial crisis.

11 March 2009
Paul Henderson - Cash for Cleaning up the Territory
The Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced the Northern Territory will introduce a cash for containers scheme to reduce litter and boost recycling efforts.

Karl Hampton - Hoops for Health Under Way in the Centre
Young people in Central Australia will be shooting for a healthier lifestyle, with the NT Government providing a grant of $37,000 towards the Hoops for Health Basketball challenge.

Dr Chris Burns - Jetstar Jobs
The Northern Territory Government has welcomed the announcement from Jetstar this afternoon that 50 Jetstar pilots will be based in Darwin.

10 March 2009
Paul Henderson - Australia’s First Online System Keeps Parents in Touch
The Education Minister Paul Henderson has officially launched Australia’s first online system allowing parents to monitor their children’s performance and development at school.

Karl Hampton - NRL Games for the Territory
The NT Government has called for expressions of interest from National Rugby League clubs to secure continued NRL games in the Territory.

Rob Knight - Top End Industry Forums Begin
More than 130 Top End business operators have registered to attend an industry forum tonight to hear how they could benefit from a record housing and infrastructure program.

9 March 2009
Delia Lawrie - Building Certification Assistance for Regions
Planning Minister Delia Lawrie today released the result of the audit into Tennant Creek building certifications - and announced measures to improve certification rates in the Territory’s regional areas.

Kon Vatskalis - eHealthNT Closing the Gap in Chronic Disease
About 90% of all Aboriginal people living in remote communities of the NT will be registered with the Territory Government’s eHealthNT Shared Electronic Health Record service by June this year.

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Rob Knight - Housing Support Sector To Have Their Say
The Territory Government has made another important step towards tackling our housing challenges with the announcement of a Housing Support Working Group.

Rob Knight - Territory Welcomes Upgrades For Public Housing
The Northern Territory Government has been allocated more than $4 million to improve public housing as part of the Australian Government’s economic stimulus package.

8 March 2009
Malarndirri McCarthy - Women Walk For Respect
Territory women are being urged to take part in the NT’s inaugural “Women Walk for Respect” in Darwin City today to mark International Women’s Day.

6 March 2009
Paul Henderson - Continued Commitment To Emergency Response
The Northern Territory Government has today welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to continuing its funding of the Northern Territory Emergency Response.

Malarndirri McCarthy - Jetstar Asia Policy Raised at MINCO
Children and Families Minister Malarndirri McCarthy today attended a Community and Disability Services Ministers’ Conference in Melbourne, where she has raised the issue of airline policies surrounding passengers with disabilities travelling independently.

Mischelle Hill Wins 2009 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award
Pine Creek mango grower Mischelle Hill is the Northern Territory winner of the 2009 Rural Industries and Research Development Corporation Rural Women’s Award.

Paul Henderson - One-stop Shop for Developers to be Established
The Territory Government and Darwin City Council will introduce new measures designed to reduce red tape and speed up development processes for the city.

Kon Vatskalis - Palmerston Super Clinic another step closer
The Federal and Northern Territory Governments have reached agreement on fast tracking the release of funds for the Palmerston Super Clinic.

Gerry McCarthy - Pilot Program to Help Newborns Travel Safer
The NT Government has launched a pilot project that will see baby capsules installed on Greyhound Australia buses between Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

Dr Chris Burns - Welcome Ashore
The Northern Territory Government has welcomed all of the passengers aboard the Crystal Serenity to Darwin.

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5 March 2009
Paul Henderson - High Level Gas Talks
Chief Minister Paul Henderson has met with representatives of one of the world’s biggest energy investors to talk about potential projects in the NT.

Delia Lawrie - Positive International Trade and Building Approval Data Out Today
Treasurer Delia Lawrie today welcomed new ABS data that continues to highlight the strength of the Northern Territory’s economy.

Gerry McCarthy / Paul Henderson - Tennant Creek High School Wins National Training Funding
Chief Minister Paul Henderson has welcomed today’s Commonwealth Government announcement that Tennant Creek High School will receive $1.2 million in funding under the Trade Training Centres in Schools Program.

Dr Chris Burns - Territory Businesses The Most Optimistic In Australia
*************Strictly Embargoed Until Thursday 5 March *************** Territory businesses are the most optimistic in Australia according to the latest Sensis survey results released today.

Malarndirri McCarthy - Tribute to Northern Territory Women
Five Territory women were today recognised for their contributions to the NT community through the ‘Tribute to Northern Territory Women’ award

Rob Knight - Work Progressing To Underground Power
Millner is the latest suburb to benefit from the Northern Territory Government’s project to underground power in Darwin’s older suburbs.

4 March 2009
Delia Lawrie - Australia’s Strongest Growth
New ABS figures released today show economic growth in the Territory is leading the nation.

Kon Vatskalis - Australian Health Ministers’ Conference
Northern Territory Health Minister, Kon Vatskalis, travels to Melbourne today to join his state and territory colleagues at the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference.

Paul Henderson / Rob Knight - Housing Changes mean more Affordable Homes
The first stage of the most comprehensive overhaul of housing in the Territory’s history was announced today – with a focus on providing more affordable housing.

Delia Lawrie - New Pontoon For Dinah Beach
Fishing in Darwin harbour is set to get even better with the NT Government calling for tenders to construct a floating pontoon at Dinah Beach.

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3 March 2009
Delia Lawrie - Northern Territory Economy Remains Strong
New ABS data shows the Northern Territory led the nation in retail trade turnover during the past 12 months, Treasurer Delia Lawrie said today.

Rob Knight - Territory Harnesses GreenPower
The Northern Territory Government today launched a scheme encouraging Territorians to buy their electricity from renewable energy sources.

Tiger Airways Launch Adelaide To Alice
The Northern Territory Government has welcomed additional flights to Alice Springs with Tiger Airways.

2 March 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Community benefits from new vehicle gifted to St John Ambulance Volunteers
The Territory Government has gifted a $30,000 vehicle to St John Ambulance under the Vehicle Gift Program.

Kon Vatskalis - Government Delivering Improved Renal Services
The Territory Government is providing easier access to life-saving care for renal patients, with home and community dialysis treatment.

Paul Henderson - Local Company to Build Rosebery Schools
A Northern Territory company has won the $59 million tender to build two schools in the Palmerston suburb of Rosebery.

1 March 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Government buys back commercial barramundi licence
The Northern Territory Government is delivering on its election commitment to buy back commercial fishing licences to ensure the long term sustainability of our fish stocks.

Dr Chris Burns - Hat trick for the Territory
The Northern Territory Tourism industry has been acknowledged in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards with three accolades given to Territory businesses.