Northern Territory Government Newsroom

April

30 April 2009
Paul Henderson - Another Significant Step for INPEX Project
Chief Minister Paul Henderson has welcomed another significant step forward for the INPEX project following the announcement of the contract for the Ichthys Offshore FEED contract.

Paul Henderson - COAG OUTCOMES
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has committed to a national plan making it compulsory for all students up to 17 to either attend school, undertake training or be in a job.

Exhibition Depicts Early Days Of The Territory’s Development
An online exhibition of rare photographs from an 1800s survey that was instrumental in shaping the Northern Territory is now open for public viewing

Gerry McCarthy - New Bus Services for the Mindil Beach Market
The Northern Territory Government today announced additional bus services to cater for the extremely popular Thursday Night Mindil Beach Market tourist attraction.

Kon Vatskalis - Radical reform plan for remote health
The Territory Government will push for a new national approach to ensure more doctors and other medical professionals work in remote areas.

29 April 2009
Rob Knight - Better Language Services For Territorians
The Northern Territory Government today released a new language Services Policy enabling better access to Government services for Territorians who speak languages other than English.

Paul Henderson - COMPULSORY LEARN OR EARN
Chief Minister Paul Henderson has announced a major change to education to make all Territorians aged up to 17 years attend school, undertake training or get a job.

Karl Hampton - Economic First for Barkly Region
Minister for Regional Development Karl Hampton today announced the first survey of Tennant Creek and Barkly businesses would begin this week.

Kon Vatskalis - Record $1 billion budget for Health
The Henderson Government will spend a record $1.05 billion on Territory health and families in Budget 2009 and deliver an extra 17 doctors and 95 nurses.

Delia Lawrie - Smith Street Walkway Construction Begins
Work on the $3.2 million Smith Street walkway between the Mall and the Waterfront has started.

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28 April 2009
Bolstering The Territory's Fight Against High-Risk Weeds
The Northern Territory Government will invest $1.09 million over two years in Budget 2009 for a Strategic Weed Management Program.

Gerry McCarthy - Hoons Immobilised
Legislation passed today in the Territory Parliament allows Police to immediately impound or immobilise vehicles involved in hooning activities.

Paul Henderson - More Firefighters and a new Fire Station
The Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Paul Henderson said Budget 2009 provides funding for an additional 20 firefighters.

Protection For A Significant Piece Of Wartime History
The WWII shipwreck Florence D is now protected under the Commonwealth’s Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 after its discovery was confirmed in waters off Bathurst Island, following important work by a Territory Government department.

Paul Henderson - Record Number of NT Police
Budget 2009 will provide $6.5m to deliver an extra 54 police positions – boosting the number of extra positions in the Northern Territory to 339 in eight years.

Dr Chris Burns - Virgin Launch Darwin To Perth
The Northern Territory Government has welcomed the additional Virgin Blue flights to Darwin which commenced today.

27 April 2009
Karl Hampton - Arafura Games Accreditation Centre Opens
Arafura Games participants and volunteers will now be able to easily access their official accreditation packs with the opening of the Games Accreditation Centre at the Darwin Entertainment Centre.

Delia Lawrie - Better Court Facilities – Protecting Territorians
The Territory’s court system is set to get a $3.3 million funding boost as part of the Henderson Government’s tough on crime package.

Kon Vatskalis - NT well prepared to handle any Swine Flu cases
The Northern Territory is well prepared to detect and treat any suspected cases of the new Swine Influenza A strain that has caused over 80 deaths in Mexico in recent weeks, and a number of cases in the USA and Canada.

Gerry McCarthy - Students Learn Road Safety Skills
Darwin school students will be able to put road safety theory into practice following the opening of the Road Safety Centre in Parap today.

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Paul Henderson - Territory 2030 - Fresh Ideas Real Results draft strategy
The Territory 2030 Steering Committee has delivered the first draft of the Territory 2030 - Fresh Ideas Real Results strategy to the Chief Minister Paul Henderson.

Karl Hampton - Upgrade to Alice Springs Zone Substation
Almost $14 million worth of work is set to be undertaken at the Lovegrove zone substation in Alice Springs.

26 April 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Greater Support For Tourism Operators
The Northern Territory Tourism Minister, Dr Chris Burns, today said Budget 2009 will provide increased support for local tourism operators as the global economic crisis continues.

Dr Chris Burns - Henderson Government Protecting Territory Jobs
Leader of Government Business, Dr Chris Burns, today said the Northern Territory Government will focus on protecting Territory jobs when Parliament sits from Tuesday.

25 April 2009
Paul Henderson - Decision Making Goes to Alice Springs
The Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources (DRDPIFR) will be headquartered in Central Australia with the appointment of an Alice Springs-based Chief Executive.

24 April 2009
Delia Lawrie - $6 Million Tiger Brennan Drive Duplication
A $6 million upgrade of Tiger Brennan Drive will reduce travelling times and eliminate an irritating bottleneck for thousands of Territory motorists driving home from Darwin city.

Cruise Ship Industry Continues to Grow
The cruise ship industry in Darwin has experienced a fantastic year and continues to grow, generating significant revenue for Territory businesses.

Rob Knight - Hudson Creek Boat Ramp Open For Boaties
Great news for Top End fishermen with the Territory Government today officially opening the $3.2 million Hudson Creek Boat Ramp.

Paul Henderson - New Education Chief Executive Appointed
The Northern Territory Education Minister Paul Henderson today announced the appointment of the Department of Education and Training’s new Chief Executive.

Karl Hampton - Territory Part of Broadband Roll Out
Minister for Communications Karl Hampton will today meet Senator Stephen Conroy the Federal Minister for Broadband and Communications in Melbourne to discuss the Northern Territory’s participation in the $43 billion National Broadband Network.

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23 April 2009
Karl Hampton - $550 000 Upgrade to TIO Stadium Marrara
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today announced $550,000 in Budget 2009 for a new public address system at Darwin’s TIO Stadium.

Karl Hampton - ALICE YOUTH ACTION PLAN PROGRESS
Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton today outlined the significant progress that is being made under the Alice Springs Youth Action Plan.

Karl Hampton - Australian Team Prepares in Darwin
The best young hockey players from around Australia arrived in Darwin today for an intensive training and acclimatisation camp ahead of the upcoming Hockey Junior World Cup.

Rob Knight - BASSINTHEGRASS Bus Service For Rural Area
Residents living in the rural area will this year have easier access to the Territory’s premier music event with free busses being made available for BASSINTHEGRASS.

Gerry McCarthy - Free Buses to ANZAC Day Services
The Northern Territory Government is providing free bus travel on Darwin, Palmerston, and northern suburbs routes on ANZAC Day.

Kon Vatskalis - Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy
Northern Territory Health Minister, Kon Vatskalis, travels to Brisbane today to attend the Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy.

Paul Henderson - More Police on our Streets
The Northern Territory has 25 more police on the streets with the graduation today of Recruit Squad 98.

Territory Government Asks Garuda to Reconsider
The Northern Territory Government has made further formal approaches to the Indonesian Government and Garuda asking them to reconsider the suspension of the Garuda service to Darwin.

Territory on Show at Shanghai World Expo 2010
The Northern Territory Government will showcase the best of the Territory across a range of industries at the world’s biggest expo in Shanghai in 2010.

Wave Lagoon Opens May 2
The Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced Darwin Waterfront’s wave lagoon will be open from May 2.

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22 April 2009
Gerry McCarthy - Commercial Passenger Vehicle Review Synopsis Released
Minister for Transport Gerry McCarthy today released the synopsis of the Fivenines Review of the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry (CPV) which includes taxis, private hire cars and mini buses.

Delia Lawrie - Darwin Inflation Lower In March Quarter
New ABS data shows Darwin’s annual inflation rate is growing at its lowest level in three and a half years.

Karl Hampton - Important Business in Nhulunbuy
Minister for Regional Development Karl Hampton today visited Nhulunbuy to meet with key community stakeholders including Rio Tinto Alcan, the Nhulunbuy Corporation and East Arnhem Shire representatives.

Paul Henderson - Katherine Schools Welcome Australian of the Year
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson has taken Australian of the Year Mick Dodson back to his old stomping ground as part of a national tour aimed at getting every Australian child in school by next year.

Delia Lawrie - McMillans Road Upgrade To Improve Traffic Flow
Thousands of Territory motorists are set to benefit from a 500 metre extension of a second inbound lane along McMillans Road between the Vanderlin Drive roundabout and the Peter McAulay Centre.

Mexican Feather Grass Added To Weed List
Mexican feather grass has been declared a weed under the Weeds Management Act by Environment Minister Alison Anderson.

Kon Vatskalis - More nurses for Royal Darwin Hospital
The Northern Territory Health Minister, Kon Vatskalis, today said Budget 2009 will provide a record number of nurses across the Territory.

21 April 2009
Paul Henderson - Chief Minister Recognises Royal Darwin
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today visited Royal Darwin Hospital to thank staff for their work in treating the asylum seekers injured near Ashmore Reef last week.

Karl Hampton - Netball Courts Bouncing Along
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today visited the new netball courts at Marrara and inspected the final surface being installed on the courts.

Kon Vatskalis - Residential facility for cancer sufferers undergoing treatment
The Northern Territory Government will spend $2 million in 2009/10 upgrading a residential facility to house cancer patients undergoing treatment in the new oncology unit.

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Paul Henderson - The Presets and Jimmy Barnes at V8s
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced The Presets and Jimmy Barnes will play at this year’s V8s as part of three days of great entertainment at Darwin’s Hidden Valley.

20 April 2009
Paul Henderson - Australian of the Year Visits Successful NT Schools
The Australian of the Year Mick Dodson is visiting Northern Territory schools this week as part of a national tour to get every Australian child in school by next year.

Rob Knight - Improving Essential Services in Remote Barkly 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.

Rob Knight - Improving Essential Services in Remote Katherine And Arnhem 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.

Rob Knight - Improving Essential Services in Remote Territory 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.

Rob Knight - Improving Essential Services in Remote Top End 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.

Kon Vatskalis - New Ambulances for St John Ambulance
St John Ambulance has unveiled its new ambulance vehicles which have been fitted out with state of the art communications and emergency response equipment in Darwin.

Gerry McCarthy - New Bus Service Underway
Minister for Transport Gerry McCarthy today travelled on Darwin’s newest bus service that will service Cullen Bay, Bayview and the Darwin Convention Centre.

17 April 2009
Paul Henderson - Disaster Response Does the Territory Proud
The Northern Territory Chief Minister has praised the efforts of Territorians called on to help rescue and treat asylum seekers after an explosion on their boat.

Delia Lawrie - McMinn Street Upgrade
The Territory Government will be calling for tenders to widen McMinn St from two lanes to four.

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Paul Henderson - National Agreement to Improve Territory Schools
Parents in the Northern Territory will have access to more information about their children’s schooling under a national agreement reached by the States, Territories and the Commonwealth in Adelaide today.

Kon Vatskalis - New team to lead Royal Darwin Hospital
A new management team and fresh approach will be introduced at Royal Darwin Hospital in coming months.

16 April 2009
Dr Chris Burns - $28 Million Investment in Territory Business
The Northern Territory Government is investing $28 million to develop the Darwin Business Park and release more industrial land for Territory businesses.

Gerry McCarthy - Alice Springs Prison Officer’s Graduate
Minister for Correctional Services Gerry McCarthy today visited the Alice Springs Correctional Centre and met with the latest Prison Officers in Training who will tonight graduate from the first phase of their course.

Rob Knight - Short Term Accommodation Boost For Alice Springs
Central Australians at risk of homelessness will have access to new services with the Territory Government announcing the allocation of two properties for short term accommodation.

Paul Henderson - Territory Schools More Transparent
Parents will have more information about the performance of Territory schools under a plan to be discussed at meetings of education ministers in Adelaide tomorrow.

15 April 2009
Call For Comment On Draft Croc Management Program
The Northern Territory Government is asking the public to comment on a 5-year draft management program for saltwater crocodiles

Paul Henderson - Finding Job Paths for More Territorians
More than 100 Territory students have received recognition from the Northern Territory Government for their commitment to learning.

Delia Lawrie - National Approach To Bikie Laws High On SCAG Agenda
Attorneys-General from around Australia will meet in Canberra this week to discuss a range of issues including a co-ordinated national effort to combat organised crime.

14 April 2009
Karl Hampton - NATA Accreditation for Alice Water Labs
Minister for Regional Development Karl Hampton today presented the Alice Springs Water Microbiology Laboratory with their National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) certification.

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Malarndirri McCarthy - Secure Care Facility for Northern Territory
The NT Government today announced that secure care facilities will be established in the Northern Territory for young people and adults with complex needs.

13 April 2009
Paul Henderson - Green is the Colour of Change
Carbon dioxide emissions from NT Government cars will be cut by 20 per cent in the next five years.

9 April 2009
A Plan To Preserve The Health Of Our Rivers
A discussion paper that focuses on preserving the health of the Territory’s rivers has been developed by the Northern Territory Government.

Karl Hampton - Arafura Games Uniforms Unveiled
The uniforms of the 2009 Arafura Games workforce were today unveiled at the official Games media launch.

Kon Vatskalis - Community Consultation for Palmerston Boat Ramp Upgrade
The Northern Territory Government will invest $5 million in fishing infrastructure around the Territory in 2009/10.

Kon Vatskalis - Minister welcomes Coronial Report
Minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis, today welcomed the report from Coroner Greg Cavanagh into the death of Georgia Rae Tilmouth.

Rob Knight - New Homes for Territorians
The Territory Government has welcomed more than $7 million dollars in funding under Stage One of the Rudd Government’s stimulus package for social housing construction.

Paul Henderson - Northern Territory Welcomes Inpex
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson has officially welcomed Inpex to the Territory at the opening of its new offices in Darwin.

8 April 2009
Delia Lawrie - First Home Owners Boosting Housing Finance Figures
New ABS figures released today shows the number of housing commitments in the Territory has continued to trend upwards.

Delia Lawrie - New Overpass Part of $110 million Tiger Brennan Extension
The Territory and Federal Government today released the artist’s impression of the new overpass to be built as part of the $110 million Tiger Brennan Drive extension.

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Gerry McCarthy - Take Care on the Roads this Easter
Minister for Transport Gerry McCarthy today encouraged all Territorians to take care on our roads this Easter long weekend.

7 April 2009
Delia Lawrie - Counter Disaster Council Meeting
Northern Territory Counter Disaster Councils met in Darwin and Alice Springs today, following the Telstra communication problems in the Territory this morning.

Delia Lawrie - Honouring a Pioneer
The Northern Territory Government has extended its sympathy to the family of the late Mr Tungutalum.

Delia Lawrie - Improving Power Water Reliability
The Northern Territory Government has released the comprehensive Reeves Report into the financial position of Power and Water.

Karl Hampton - NT Government Welcomes Broadband Announcement
The Northern Territory Government has welcomed Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s announcement on the future of the National Broadband Network.

6 April 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Government works hard to restore Gove Maternity Services
Women in East Arnhem Land will again be able to give birth locally, following the re-establishment of full maternity services at Gove District Hospital (GDH) from 5 May 2009.

Delia Lawrie - Personal Crime Down Across NT for 2008
New crime and justice statistics show the number of offences committed against the person across the Territory has fallen in yearly comparisons.

Delia Lawrie - The Territory Leads The Way In Engineering Construction Work Done
The Territory is leading the way when it comes to the value of engineering work done, new ABS data shows.

Gerry McCarthy - Tougher Penalties For Drink Drivers
Tougher penalties for repeat drink drivers will begin this week with the start of the Alcohol Ignition Lock Licence Program.

Delia Lawrie - Work Begins On New Tiger Brennan Drive Passing Lanes
A $2.2 million project to construct new passing lanes along Tiger Brennan Drive has begun.

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5 April 2009
Delia Lawrie - Territory Schools Stimulus Funding Boost
Acting Education Minister Delia Lawrie said today $13 million in work at 121 Territory schools would provide a great boost for the Territory economy in the face of the global financial crisis.

4 April 2009
Karl Hampton - Katherine Research Station Open Day
Minister for Regional Development Karl Hampton will today attend the Katherine Research Station for its Open Day.

3 April 2009
Delia Lawrie - Malak Primary School’s Cool Assembly Area
Going to school is set to become even cooler for hundreds of Malak Primary School students with work underway on a $1 million project to improve the school’s assembly area.

Karl Hampton - New Direction for Territory Sport
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton today announced the development of the Territory’s first ever Sport and Active Recreation Policy.

Karl Hampton - Recreation Grants Open
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton is calling on Territory recreation organisations to apply for a NT Government Active Recreation Grant.

Rob Knight - Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council Meeting
Minister for Public Employment Rob Knight today attended the Workplace Relations Ministers’ Council Meeting in Adelaide.

2 April 2009
Michael Gunner - Arafura Games More Than Sport
Students from Top End schools are participating in an exciting program that allows them to be apart of the Arafura Games without even competing.

Michael Gunner - Arafura Games More Than Sport
Students from Top End schools are participating in an exciting program that allows them to be apart of the Arafura Games without even competing.

Paul Henderson - Chief Minister Welcomes CSG Hangar
Chief Minister Paul Henderson this evening attended the opening of the expanded CSG Hangar facilities at Darwin airport.

Dr Chris Burns - Expanding International Trade
The Northern Territory Government has released the framework for an International Trade Strategy for the next five years.

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Rob Knight - More Short Term Accommodation For The NT
Work has started on a Territory Government-funded project that will deliver 80 extra short-term accommodation beds for women and children in Darwin.

1 April 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Keeping the Territory Pest Free
Today marks 10 years since the massive incursion of the black-striped mussel (Mytilopsis sallei) in Cullen Bay Marina.

Delia Lawrie - Strong Annual Retail Trade Figures
New ABS data shows retail trade turnover is stronger in the Territory than anywhere else in Australia.