Northern Territory Government Newsroom

May

31 May 2009
Paul Henderson - Darwin Welcomes Oil and Gas Conference
The eyes of the world’s oil and gas industry will be firmly fixed on the Northern Territory this week as Darwin hosts the annual Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) conference and exhibition.

Kon Vatskalis - Human Swine Flu case confirmed for NT
The Northern Territory has recorded its first case of Human Swine Flu.

30 May 2009
Paul Henderson - Darwin Troops Welcomed Home
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed 71 Darwin troops home from Iraq.

Paul Henderson - Passing of a Territory Pioneer
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson has paid tribute to a Territory pioneer who did much to promote sport and guide the faith of generations of Territorians.

29 May 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Business Tourism Success For NT
Minister for Tourism Dr Chris Burns today welcomed over 400 delegates to the Northern Territory participating in the 27th National Conference for the Dieticians Association of Australia.

Eminent Academic Marcia Langton Appointed to MAGNT Board
Minister for Arts and Museums Alison Anderson is pleased to announce Professor Marcia Langton has been appointed chair of the Museum and Art Galleries Board of the Northern Territory.

28 May 2009
Delia Lawrie - An Exciting Vision For Darwin’s CBD
The Territory Government has unveiled an exciting new vision for Darwin’s CBD which will promote a growing and vibrant tropical city.

Delia Lawrie - Darwin Port Establishes Partnership
The Northern Territory Government has welcomed today’s news from the Australian Stock Exchange that a major mining company is in discussions with the Darwin Port Corporation to ship rock phosphate through the Darwin Port.

Kon Vatskalis - Death of baby tragic event
The Minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis, has offered his sympathy to the family of baby Declan Brian McConville after the Coroner handed down his findings into the baby’s death today.

Karl Hampton - Desert Spirit at the MCG
Footballers from a remote Territory community will this weekend showcase their talent at the home of AFL - the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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Karl Hampton - Territory Team Aims for Hat Trick
The NT Tenpin Bowling Team for Athletes with a Disability today travels to Melbourne hoping to claim their third straight National title.

27 May 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Free whooping cough vaccine
All parents, carers and siblings of babies under seven months of age can now be vaccinated against whooping cough (pertussis) for free.

Paul Henderson - Ministerial and Business Forums in Dili
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today opened ministerial and business forums in Dili, as part of a visit to further strengthen community, education and business ties with Timor-Leste.

National Simultaneous Storytime In Wadeye
Children from Top End community Wadeye today joined tens of thousands of children from around Australia in sitting down to read a story together during National Simultaneous Storytime.

Dr Chris Burns - Top End Promoted in Australian Campaign
The Top End has taken centre stage in a national advertising campaign promoting travel to Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Park this month.

26 May 2009
Paul Henderson - Chief Minister Leads Timor-Leste Delegation
Chief Minister Paul Henderson will head a 60 strong Ministerial, business and community delegation to Dili tomorrow, highlighted by a ministerial forum to further strengthen ties between Timor-Leste and the Northern Territory.

Karl Hampton - NT Sport’s Future Direction Taking Shape
The first community forum to discuss the future direction of sport and active recreation in the Territory will be held in Darwin this evening.

Rob Knight - Territory Benefits From Housing Upgrades
Work is underway to upgrade 175 public housing properties and construct 22 new homes across the Territory under the Rudd Government’s Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

25 May 2009
Paul Henderson - A Website to Add to your List of “Favourites”
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson today kicked off an updated website for Football Federation Northern Territory.

Karl Hampton - Australia’s Best Riders in Alice
Alice Springs this week hosts Australia’s best Mountain bike riders with the Anaconda MTB Enduro event being staged in and around the town.

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Dr Chris Burns - Australians Encouraged To Experience Indigenous Culture
Minister for Tourism Dr Chris Burns today encouraged Australians to seek out local indigenous tourism experiences in an effort to learn more about Australia’s indigenous culture – ahead of National Sorry Day tomorrow.

Kon Vatskalis - Is this the best job in the Territory?
It could possibly be the dream job of every fisherman around the Top End…

Gerry McCarthy - Keeping Our Buses Safe
Minister for Transport Gerry McCarthy has today encouraged more people to travel on our buses after taking a ride with some of the Transit Security Officers.

24 May 2009
Paul Henderson - Better Future for Alice Town Camps
Chief Minister Paul Henderson, Indigenous Policy Minister Alison Anderson and Minister for Central Australia, Karl Hampton today welcomed and fully supported the Rudd Government’s announcement that it was moving to compulsorily acquire the Alice Springs town camps.

Kon Vatskalis - New floating pontoon for Dinah Beach boat ramp
Recreational anglers will soon have a floating pontoon to help launch their boats at Dinah Beach boat ramp with the Territory Government awarding a tender for a 70 metre long alighting pontoon.

Paul Henderson - School-age visitors to swine flu countries
The families of Northern Territory primary or high school age children who have travelled to a country affected by human-to-human transmission of swine flu (H1N1 Influenza) are being requested to keep their children at home for seven days after the date of return.

23 May 2009
Paul Henderson - Government Doesn’t Support Arafura Proposal
Chief Minister Paul Henderson said today the Northern Territory Government had indicated it would not support the Arafura Harbour proposal at East Point.

22 May 2009
Gerry McCarthy - Alice Springs Prison Tender Awarded
Two Alice Springs companies have been awarded contracts for construction upgrades to the Alice Springs Correctional Centre.

Paul Henderson - BASSINTHEGRASS as Popular as Ever
Territorians have again got behind the annual Savings and Loans BASSINTHEGRASS festival, with all 6000 pre-sale tickets sold out.

Gerry McCarthy - Beat the Heat on Fatality Free Friday
Each year, around 1600 people die on Australia's roads. Statistically more deaths are recorded on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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Kon Vatskalis - NT remains free of Swine Flu
The Northern Territory Government today announced the NT’s approach to swine flu remains unchanged despite a change in the national threat level.

Malarndirri McCarthy - Tackling Homelessness and Housing Affordability
Improving access to affordable housing and tackling homelessness will be key topics of discussion at today’s Housing Minister’s Conference in Melbourne

21 May 2009
Paul Henderson - Further Port Expansion to Boost Economy
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed the Rudd Government’s Budget commitment to expanding Darwin’s Port facilities, saying it would boost exports, economic activity and jobs in the Territory.

Rob Knight - SIHIP Works Underway in NT
Refurbishments under the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP) have started on the Tiwi Islands, Groote Eylandt and in Tennant Creek, with construction of new houses expected to start in coming months.

Territory Leads Joint Effort To Reduce Feral Camels
Northern Territory Minister for Natural Resources Alison Anderson today secured support from State, Territory and Federal Governments to put a plan in place to reduce the severe environmental problems caused by feral camels in Central Australia.

Karl Hampton - Thunder Comes to the Alice
The Northern Territory Thunder AFL team plays its first home game in Alice Springs this Saturday against the Western Magpies.

20 May 2009
Delia Lawrie - $10 Million Katherine Diversion Consultation Extended
Territorians will now have until 30 June to provide comments about a planned $10 million project to build a heavy vehicle diversion around Katherine Terrace.

Paul Henderson - A Working Future: Real Towns, Real Jobs, Real Opportunities
The Northern Territory Government today unveiled a targeted strategy to improve the lives of Territorians living in remote areas by encouraging real towns, real jobs and real opportunities.

Delia Lawrie - Building Ministers’ Forum
Planning Minister Delia Lawrie will fly to Melbourne today to attend the Building Ministers’ Forum.

Paul Henderson - NT Police Gain More Experience
A squad of experienced officers were today sworn into the Northern Territory Police Force boosting the size and capability of the force.

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19 May 2009
Paul Henderson - $14,000 Buildstart Scheme Extended
The Northern Territory Government will extend the $14,000 Buildstart scheme, giving more Territorians the opportunity to invest in residential property.

Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority To Provide Advice On Papunya Boards
The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) will consult with custodians and artists over the secret and ceremonial nature of some of the Papunya Boards art works after a request by Minister for Indigenous Policy Alison Anderson.

Rob Knight - Minister Looking At Affordable Housing Options For The NT
Minister for Housing Rob Knight will head interstate tomorrow to investigate affordable housing options for the Territory.

Dr Chris Burns - Minister Talks Investment and Trade in Japan
Minister for Asian Relations and Trade, Dr Chris Burns yesterday met with Inpex, and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) in the lead-up to the NT Investment Seminar which will be held in Tokyo this morning.

Gerry McCarthy - Work Camp Projects Highlighted
Minister for Correctional Services Gerry McCarthy will today travel to South Australia to examine work camp and pre release facilities for prisoners.

18 May 2009
Rob Knight - Accommodation Boost For Alice Springs
Alice Springs will receive a boost in accommodation services with the Territory Government announcing that Anglicare will deliver supported accommodation services at a Government owned property.

Paul Henderson - Local Companies Gear up for Inpex
The Chief Minister Paul Henderson said local companies will benefit from the $23 billion Inpex project – the largest single private sector investment in Australia.

Gerry McCarthy - Neighbourhood Pride
Neighbourhood pride is strong in Malak with the local community adopting their bus stops to keep them clean and tidy.

New Attractions At Territory Wildlife Park Enhance The Experience
Territory Wildlife Park is showcasing the unique natural environment of the Top End of the Territory with new installations to educate and entertain visitors.

15 May 2009
Karl Hampton / Paul Henderson - A-League Comes to Darwin
The Northern Territory Government today announced an A-League exhibition match for Darwin in early July – which is expected to feature one of the all time greats of English football.

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Malarndirri McCarthy - Accolades for NT Nurses and Midwives
The top achievers in Northern Territory nursing and midwifery were recognised at an award ceremony at Parliament House in Darwin tonight.

Rob Knight - Free Buses to the Show
The Northern Territory Government will provide free buses to take commuters to the Freds Pass Rural Show this weekend.

Get Cash For Your Containers At The Freds Pass Show
Territorians and visitors will be able to see the Northern Territory Government’s planned Cash for Containers scheme in action as part of a special demonstration at the Freds Pass Show.

14 May 2009
Paul Henderson - Improving Early Childhood Outcomes
A national survey that will help strengthen services and resources for the early childhood sector is being conducted in the Northern Territory.

Kon Vatskalis - Northern Territory Investment Seminars in China
The Northern Territory Government has hosted the first ever NT Investment Seminars in Shanghai as part of its Chinese Investment Attraction Strategy.

Dr Chris Burns - Trade and Tourism Strengthened In Asia
The Minister for Asian Relations and Trade, Dr Chris Burns today held tourism and trade discussions in Vietnam as part of his delegation into Asia to strengthen community ties and trade.

13 May 2009
Rob Knight - $2 MILLION TO BE INVESTED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AT COOLALINGA
The Northern Territory Government is investing $2 million to improve traffic flow and road safety in the rural area.

Paul Henderson - A Budget for the Future of the Territory
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed the Rudd Government’s 2009/10 Budget, saying it will build the Territory and protect jobs.

Paul Henderson - ELFERINK BLUNDERS BUDGET… AGAIN
Last week Terry Mills couldn’t count to 10, now Opposition Treasury spokesman John Elferink has shown he can’t read past page 11 of a budget book.

Malarndirri McCarthy - Muttacar Safety-Everyone’s Business
A play and workshop aimed at educating Indigenous Territorians on road safety is being launched today in Darwin.

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Rob Knight - Small Businesses to Benefit from Housing Works
Territory businesses will have the opportunity to find out how they can get involved in a multi-million dollar housing construction program at a forum in Darwin this week.

12 May 2009
Delia Lawrie - Federal Budget is Good News for Territory Port, Jobs and Health
Treasurer Delia Lawrie tonight welcomed the Rudd Government’s Budget focus on protecting jobs, massive national infrastructure spending and delivering new community, health and education facilities for Territory families.

Karl Hampton - Growing the Arafura Games
The Arafura Games Heads of Delegation meeting today discussed ways to grow the Games and encourage further participation by member countries.

Dr Chris Burns - Minister on Trade Delegation To Asia
The Minister for Asian Relations and Trade, Dr Chris Burns will depart Darwin today on a trade delegation to Singapore, Vietnam and Japan.

Kon Vatskalis - Minister plays matchmaker with Nanjing and Ti Tree
Northern Territory Minister for Resources, Kon Vatskalis, has met with representatives from Business and Government in the city of Nanjing which is a centre for Chinese investment in mineral resources and exploration.

Rob Knight - Tackling Antisocial Behaviour in Public Housing
Three new specialist officers have begun work as the Territory Government continues to crackdown on antisocial behaviour in public housing.

11 May 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Domestic Market Activity Ramps Up As Dry Season Begins
Tourism Minister, Dr Chris Burns has officially launched the beginning of the tourist season in the Top End, as the first phase of the Government’s $15 million investment in the domestic market kicks off.

Paul Henderson - Schools Prepare for National Testing
The Northern Territory Education Minister Paul Henderson today visited Year 3 and 5 students at Jingili Primary School as they prepared for tomorrow’s National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) test.

Lynne Walker - Supporting Education in Nhulunbuy
Nhulunbuy will receive $14 million in Budget 2009 for the operation and upgrade of schools.

10 May 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Luring Chinese Investment
Northern Territory Minister for Resources, Kon Vatskalis, leaves for China today leading a delegation of local businesses to take part in a number of high level meetings and investment seminars aimed at fostering Chinese investment.

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9 May 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Positive Way Forward With Garuda Indonesia
Minister for Tourism and Asian Relations and Trade, Dr Chris Burns said today he is committed to working with Garuda Indonesia and the Indonesian Government to reinstate the Garuda service to Darwin

8 May 2009
Major Restoration Funding For Howard Springs Nature Park
The Howard Springs Nature Park will undergo $3 million in major restoration works so that it will again be recognised as an iconic tourism and family destination.

Kon Vatskalis - Minister puts remote health on national agenda
Australian Health Minister’s have reached agreement on a national registration and accreditation model for health professionals.

Karl Hampton - New Houses Delivered For Beswick
The community of Beswick has received six new homes for local families under the Northern Territory Indigenous Housing Program.

7 May 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Delegation To Depart For Indonesia
Minister for Tourism and Asian Relations and Trade, Dr Chris Burns will leave Parliament early this afternoon to travel to Indonesia for a series of meetings to discuss the temporary suspension of the Garuda service to Darwin.

Dr Chris Burns - Delegation To Depart For Indonesia
Minister for Tourism and Asian Relations and Trade, Dr Chris Burns will leave Parliament early this afternoon to travel to Indonesia for a series of meetings to discuss the temporary suspension of the Garuda service to Darwin.

High Calibre Works Received for 26th Telstra Art Awards
The Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory has received high quality Indigenous art works from across Australia for the 26th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award.

Delia Lawrie - Laws Passed To Make Supreme Court Jury Trials Fairer
The Henderson Government today passed laws that will make Supreme Court trials fairer and more efficient by ensuring defence lawyers give prior notice before calling expert witnesses.

Kon Vatskalis - Minister meets with Federal colleagues to discuss plan to attract more doctors to remote areas
Northern Territory Minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis, travels to Melbourne tonight to meet with his Federal colleagues at tomorrow’s Health Ministerial Council.

Delia Lawrie - More Jobs for Territorians
Treasurer Delia Lawrie today welcomed new ABS data that shows the number of employed Territorians increased in April.

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Protecting The Territory’s Heritage Assets
The Territory’s historical assets are being kept in the best possible condition by continued funding this year for repairs and maintenance by the Northern Territory Government.

Paul Henderson - Territory Shares in Education Revolution
Darwin’s Stuart Park Primary School will receive a $3 million infrastructure boost as part of the next stage in the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution economic stimulus plan.

6 May 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Arafura Games gets tick of approval from health experts
The organisers of the Arafura Games have been given the all clear with health experts confident the event will not be affected by the occurrence of the Human Swine Influenza A strain in Mexico, North America and some other countries.

Kon Vatskalis - Cameco-Paladin Exploration Plan Approved
The Northern Territory Government has approved the exploration plan submitted by Cameco Australia and Paladin Energy Minerals for the exploration of the Angela uranium prospect in Central Australia.

Gerry McCarthy - Domestic Violence Is Not Acceptable
Katherine residents have for the first time been able to take part in the successful Indigenous Family Violence Offender Program (IFVOP).

Kon Vatskalis - Minister backs Royal Darwin Hospital and staff
The Minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis, today gave his full support to Royal Darwin Hospital and its staff following the release of a report from the Ombudsman into the use of restraint at Royal Darwin Hospital.

Delia Lawrie - Positive Data From Two Key Economic Indicators
Treasurer Delia Lawrie today welcomed new ABS data that continues to highlight the strength of the Northern Territory’s economy.

5 May 2009
Delia Lawrie - Budget 2009 - Protecting Territory Jobs - Building the Territory
The Northern Territory Government is delivering an unprecedented $1.3 billion infrastructure spend that will support 2500 jobs across the economy.

Delia Lawrie - Budget 2009 - Record $1.3 Billion Infrastructure Spend
The Northern Territory Government is delivering an unprecedented $1.3 billion infrastructure spend to protect Territory jobs and build the Territory

Delia Lawrie - Budget 2009 - Record Funding Boost To Territory Roads
The Northern Territory Government is delivering a record $322 million roads package as part of an unprecedented $1.3 billion infrastructure investment in Budget 2009.

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Dr Chris Burns - Budget 2009 – Supporting Business and Protecting Territory Jobs
Budget 2009 will focus on supporting business and jobs, through a record $1.3 billion infrastructure budget.

Paul Henderson - Budget 2009 Building Territory Skills and Improving Education Outcomes
The Northern Territory Government will invest a record $808 million in education and training as part of Budget 2009.

Paul Henderson - Budget 2009 Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage
The Northern Territory Government will continue its commitment to closing the gap of Indigenous disadvantage by boosting remote service delivery in Budget 2009.

Karl Hampton - Budget 2009 Developing Our Regions
Budget 2009 will deliver for Territory families in remote and regional areas by protecting jobs, building vital infrastructure and boosting investment in core services.

Delia Lawrie - Budget 2009 Protecting Jobs and Building Darwin and the Northern Suburbs
Budget 2009 will deliver for families in Darwin and the northern suburbs by protecting jobs, building vital infrastructure and boosting investment in core services.

Lynne Walker / Malarndirri McCarthy - Budget 2009 Protecting Jobs and Building East Arnhem
Budget 2009 will deliver for families in East Arnhem by protecting jobs, building vital infrastructure and boosting investment in core services.

Delia Lawrie - Budget 2009 Protecting Jobs and Building Katherine
Budget 2009 will deliver for families in Katherine by protecting jobs, building vital infrastructure and boosting investment in core services.

Delia Lawrie - Budget 2009 Protecting Jobs and Building Palmerston and Litchfield
Budget 2009 will deliver for families in Palmerston and Litchfield by protecting jobs, building vital infrastructure and boosting investment in core services.

Karl Hampton - Budget 2009 Protecting Jobs in Central Australia
Budget 2009 will deliver for families in Central Australia by protecting jobs, building vital infrastructure and boosting investment in core services.

Gerry McCarthy - Budget 2009 Protecting Jobs in the Barkly
Budget 2009 will deliver for families in the Barkly by protecting jobs, building vital infrastructure and boosting investment in core services.

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Kon Vatskalis - Budget 2009 Protecting Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources Jobs
Budget 2009 will deliver strategic investment for our resources, primary industries and fisheries sectors and protect Territory jobs.

Paul Henderson - Budget 2009 Protecting Territory Jobs and Territory Families
The Northern Territory Government will continue to protect Territory jobs and Territory families through a range of measures in Budget 2009.

Budget 2009 Protecting the Territory Environment
The Northern Territory Government will continue to protect the Territory’s natural environment and natural assets as part of Budget 2009.

Gerry McCarthy - Budget 2009 Providing More Transport Options
Budget 2009 will protect jobs and deliver better public transport for Territorians.

Malarndirri McCarthy - Record Investment In Community Services To Support Families and Children
Budget 2009 will protect our most vulnerable Territorians with Closing the Gap and mental health initiatives.

Delia Lawrie / Rob Knight - Record Investment in Territory Housing
More people are calling the Territory home and that’s why Budget 2009 is focused on Housing the Territory through more land to grow, new affordable places to buy and rent, and new social housing.

Karl Hampton / Kon Vatskalis - Record Investment in the Territory Lifestyle
Budget 2009 invests in enhancing our great Territory lifestyle.

Kon Vatskalis - Record Investment To Improve Health Outcomes
The Henderson Government will invest a record $1.05 billion for health and families in Budget 2009 – doubling the health budget since 2001.

Delia Lawrie / Gerry McCarthy / Paul Henderson - Record Investment To Make Our Streets Safer
The Territory Government will invest a record $279 million in police, fire and emergency services as part of Budget 2009 to make our streets safer.

4 May 2009
Delia Lawrie - $1.3 Billion Infrastructure Investment to Protect Territory Jobs
The Henderson Government will deliver an unprecedented $1.3 billion infrastructure investment as part of Budget 2009 to protect Territory jobs from the impact of the global financial crisis.

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3 May 2009
Gerry McCarthy - $21 Million for New Prison
The Northern Territory Government has allocated $21 million from Budget 2009 to the new Doug Owston Correctional facility.

2 May 2009
Karl Hampton - $1.75 Million for Motor Sport
Hidden Valley Motor Sports Complex will receive $1.75 million in upgrades from Budget 2009.

1 May 2009
Malarndirri McCarthy - NT Statehood Workshops To Begin This Year
Territorians will be able to have their say on the future of Statehood with a 12-month, Territory-wide education and consultation campaign due to commence later this year.

Consultation On Draft Land Clearing Guidelines
The consultation draft of the revised Northern Territory Land Clearing Guidelines is now open for public comment.

Paul Henderson - Homestart NT – Helping Territory Families Buy Their Own Home
More Territory families will be able buy their own home at an affordable price with the launch of a new Territory Government initiative.

Karl Hampton - MULTI MILLION DOLLAR COMMITMENT TO ALICE SPRINGS YOUTH PLAN
The Territory Government will invest more than $15.6 million over the next four years to establish the Alice Springs Middle School and other elements of the Alice Springs Youth Action Plan.

Paul Henderson - Surf’s Up at the Wave Lagoon
The Darwin Waterfront precinct and Wave Lagoon were officially opened today, with a lucky group of competition winners testing the waves in the Lagoon.