Northern Territory Government Newsroom

September

30 September 2009
Paul Henderson - Delivering Community Safety for the Northern Suburbs
The safety of a quarter of Northern Territory residents will be boosted with the official opening of a new Police Station at Casuarina.

Rob Knight - Rents Will Not Rise For Pensioners In Territory Housing
Minister for Housing Rob Knight today ruled out any increase in Territory Housing pensioner rents as a result of the latest increases to the Federal pension.

Paul Henderson - Showcasing Culture through Art
The unique culture of North East Arnhem Land has been captured in an exhibition of student artwork at the Darwin Entertainment Centre.

Kon Vatskalis - Territory Again Leads Nation In Health Spending
The Northern Territory’s recurrent expenditure per person on health is the highest in Australia, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

29 September 2009
Paul Henderson - Delivering More Housing Options
The Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced the first stage of the new Palmerston suburb of Johnston will be auctioned to pre-qualified residential developers on 30 October, making way for land to be purchased off the plan in November.

Paul Henderson - Historic WWII Papers Purchased
Chief Minister Paul Henderson announced the Territory Government has acquired a significant piece of World War II history.

Paul Henderson - Honouring our Police
The Northern Territory Police Minister Paul Henderson has paid tribute to current and former police officers at the annual National Police Remembrance Day service at St Mary’s Cathedral in Darwin.

Karl Hampton - New Report Highlights Health of Darwin Harbour
A new Territory Government report on Darwin Harbour region shows most local waterways are in excellent health.

Paul Henderson - Territory Support for Filipino Flood Victims
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today announced that the Territory Government would provide funding of $10,000 for the Filipino flood relief effort through the Red Cross.

28 September 2009
Dr Chris Burns - $2.4 Million Girraween Road Tender Awarded
Minister for Business, Dr Chris Burns, today announced the $2.4 million tender to upgrade and realign Girraween Road and Stuart Highway has been awarded to local company, Ostojic group.

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Paul Henderson - Transparency and Indigenous Education Boost
Education Minister Paul Henderson said today Commonwealth, State and Territory education ministers had agreed to improve the information available for parents about their children’s schools and to develop an Indigenous Education Action Plan.

27 September 2009
Paul Henderson - Greater School Reporting on Agenda
Education and Training Minister Paul Henderson will tomorrow attend an education ministerial meeting in Brisbane, with a focus on ways to improve the information available about schools and children’s education.

Gerry McCarthy - NT Pensioners and carers to get utility bill refunds
All members of the Northern Territory Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme (NTPCCS) will receive proportional refunds on their last power, water and sewerage accounts, following a miscalculation of the discount on the increased charges that became effective from 1 July 2009.

26 September 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Drovers Rope in the Rural and Outback Award
Alice Spring’s iconic volunteer service The Drovers are the winners in the Health and Community Service category in the inaugural Australian Rural and Outback Awards.

25 September 2009
Malarndirri McCarthy - Delivering More Support for Victims of Sexual Assault
Minister for Children and Families Malarndirri McCarthy today inspected Darwin’s newly renovated Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), one of three new facilities in the Territory this year.

Dr Chris Burns - Delivering Strong Exports
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has been named the NT Exporter of the Year at the annual Chief Minister’s Export and Industry Awards.

24 September 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Delivering Trade For Territorians
Asian Relations and Trade Minister Dr Chris Burns today released the Territory’s international trade strategy for the next 5 years.

Paul Henderson - Emergency Services Ministers Meet
The Northern Territory Emergency Services Minister Paul Henderson will discuss the progress of a National Emergency Warning System (NEWS) for natural disasters at a meeting of his counterparts in Canberra tomorrow.

Rob Knight - Minister Attends Housing Ministers Conference
Minister for Housing Rob Knight will today join his national counterparts at the Housing Minister’s Conference in Melbourne with Housing and Homelessness Reforms expected to be high on the agenda.

Dr Chris Burns - Recognising Territory Innovators
Business Minister Dr Chris Burns has congratulated four Territory innovators recognised at the inaugural Charles Darwin Research and Innovation awards last night.

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Kon Vatskalis - Territory Scientists Delivering Better Mango Quality
An innovative research project aimed at improving the quality of Territory mangoes is underway at Berrimah Research Farm, Primary Industries Minister Kon Vatskalis said today

23 September 2009
Paul Henderson - Delivering New Options @School
The Northern Territory Government is delivering more specialist subject choices for students with the expansion of its virtual schooling program under the Smart Territory strategy.

Kon Vatskalis - Health Services Prepare For Swine Flu Vaccine Rollout
NT health service providers are gearing up for the rollout of the national H1N1 Pandemic Influenza (swine flu) vaccine.

Delia Lawrie - New Electronic Viewing Facilities in NT Courts
The Attorney-General, Delia Lawrie, has welcomed the installation of new electronic viewing facilities in most Northern Territory courtrooms.

22 September 2009
Karl Hampton - Alice Springs Volunteer Service Wins at National Awards
A Northern Territory volunteer service has won an Australian Rural and Outback Award, held in Canberra on Saturday night.

Rob Knight - Taking Action On Homelessness
The Northern Territory Government has announced further action to help those at risk of homelessness, following meetings today with the non-Government service providers.

Delia Lawrie - Territory Population Continues to Grow
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today show the Northern Territory is continuing record strong population growth.

21 September 2009
Karl Hampton - $1.3 Million For 2009-10 Facility Development Grants
Sport and Recreation Minister Karl Hampton today announced the recipients of this year’s 2009-10 Facility Development Grants, worth almost $1.3 million.

Paul Henderson - Delivering on Community Safety
Crime and anti-social behaviour has fallen dramatically at the Casuarina Shopping and Commercial Precinct since the opening of a Police Beat, the Police Minister Paul Henderson announced today.

Rob Knight - Water Safety Week Begins
Water Safety Week was launched in the Territory today, with various events in an around the water planned to educate children about being water safety wise.

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18 September 2009
Kon Vatskalis - 17 000 Territory Cattle Head for Indonesia
The world’s most technologically advanced livestock carrier is in Darwin loading almost 17 000 head of Territory cattle bound for feedlot and meat industries in Indonesia.

Karl Hampton - Borroloola Link to Australian Pro Tour Tennis Tournament
Sport and Recreation Minister Karl Hampton today met Australian Indigenous tennis player Julia Moriarty, whose father John is from Borroloola.

Dr Chris Burns - First Tourism Accreditation For Tennant Creek
Minister for Tourism Dr Chris Burns has congratulated Arlpwe Art and Cultural Centre and the Eldorado Motor Inn in Tennant Creek for becoming the first Tennant Creek businesses to get tourism accreditation.

Rob Knight - Territory Benefits From Stimulus Funding
The Australian and Northern Territory Governments today announced $48 million in funding under Stage Two of the Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan.

17 September 2009
Karl Hampton - Alice Springs Volunteer Service Finalists at National Awards
A Northern Territory volunteer service is a finalist at this weekend’s Australian Rural and Outback Awards, being held in Canberra.

Dr Chris Burns - NT Business the most confident in the Nation
A new survey has found the Northern Territory businesses are among the most confident in the nation.

Gerry McCarthy - Queensland Artist Wins People’s Choice Award
This year’s 26th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award has attracted almost 25,000 visitors since the exhibition opened five weeks ago.

Paul Henderson - Social Inclusion Important for the Territory
Chief Minister Paul Henderson will leave Darwin today for a meeting of other senior Commonwealth, Territory and State leaders about social inclusion, to be held in Adelaide tomorrow.

16 September 2009
Rob Knight - Bagot Community Election Commitment Underway
Work is underway on the first stage of a $4 million election commitment to upgrade the Bagot Community.

Kon Vatskalis - NT Aeromedical Services Tender Brought Forward
Minister for Health Kon Vatskalis has reaffirmed that the safety of patients being transported on aeromedical planes is his uppermost priority, and that the NT Government is dedicated to making further improvements to the service for all Territorians.

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Paul Henderson - Skilling our Students
More than 500 Territory students will get a chance to turn their hand at a trade during the annual Darwin Try’a Trade event this week.

Paul Henderson - Welcoming More Indigenous Police Officers
Nine Aboriginal Community Police Officers have taken up the challenge to become NT Police constables.

15 September 2009
Delia Lawrie - Calls for tenders for Port of Darwin studies
Tenders are being invited to undertake two feasibility studies for the expansion of Darwin’s East Arm Wharf.

Kon Vatskalis - Caution Urged As Stinger Season Approaches
With the box jellyfish season rapidly approaching, Health Minister Kon Vatskalis is urging Territorians to be on their guard against stingers.

Karl Hampton - Draw Set For Australian Tennis Pro Tour Tournament
Territory sports fans are set for an exciting two weeks of tennis action with the main draw finalised for this week’s Northern Territory Tennis International, starting in Darwin today.

Dwelling commencements on the rise
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today show the Northern Territory recorded the highest growth in the number of dwelling commencements in the nation for the June 2009 quarter.

Delia Lawrie - Focusing on Core Services
Treasurer, Delia Lawrie, today announced steps to ensure the continued strong fiscal management of the Northern Territory’s Budget during the global financial crisis.

Rob Knight - Parap Gateway Redevelopment Begins
The tender has been awarded for the demolition of the Wirrina Flats and Town Houses on Parap Road as part of the Territory Government’s five-year plan to redevelop public housing sites in Parap.

14 September 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Assisting Remote Businesses
Business Minister Dr Chris Burns today welcomed the launch of the $10 million Desert Knowledge Australia Outback Business Networks Project.

Dr Chris Burns - Book In Early For October Business Month 2009
Business Minister Dr Chris Burns today announced the program for October Business Month 2009.

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Karl Hampton - New $300,000 Gathering Garden Opens In Alice Springs
Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton today joined Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan at the Civic Centre Lawns to officially launch a new public art installation.

Paul Henderson - Record Police Recruitment
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today told the Northern Territory Police Association National Conference in Darwin the record recruitment of police will continue.

12 September 2009
Paul Henderson - 2009 NT Training Awards
The Northern Territory’s best students and training organisations have been honoured in the 2009 NT Training Awards.

Paul Henderson - 20th Anniversary of Nitmiluk Handback
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson has paid tribute to the Jawoyn people at a ceremony to mark the 20th anniversary of the handback of Nitmiluk National Park.

11 September 2009
Karl Hampton - Katherine StrongBala Healthy 4 Life Program Launched Today
Member for Stuart, Karl Hampton, will today participate in the Katherine Countrymen March for Male Health and attend the launch of the Katherine StrongBala Healthy 4 Life Program.

Delia Lawrie / Karl Hampton - Mt Johns Valley Stage 1 Approved
The Minister for Planning and Lands, Delia Lawrie, and the Minister for Central Australia, Karl Hampton, today welcomed the approval of stage 1 of Mt Johns Valley land release in Alice Springs.

Paul Henderson - Small Steps to Improvement
The Northern Territory’s National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) results show encouraging signs of improvement this year.

10 September 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Batchelor Visitor Centre Opens
Tourism Minister Dr Chris Burns today opened the Batchelor Visitor Information Centre and congratulated the volunteers committed to the project.

Karl Hampton - 18th Northern Territory Landcare Awards Ceremony Held In Darwin
Minister for Natural Resources Karl Hampton tonight congratulated the winners of this year’s Northern Territory Landcare Awards, held earlier this evening at Parliament House.

Kon Vatskalis - Breathe Easier in Pubs and Clubs from 2010
Indoor areas of NT pubs and clubs will be made smoke-free from 2 January 2010, and 50% of these venues’ outdoor areas will become smoke free by 2011, Health Minister Kon Vatskalis said today.

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Paul Henderson - Growing the Territory
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson has outlined the Government’s commitment to continue to grow the Territory at the inaugural NT Resources Week conference in Darwin.

Rob Knight - Homelessness Funding Welcomed
The Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments will invest more than $54 million to tackle homelessness in the NT.

Paul Henderson - Keeping Territorians Safe
Eleven new firefighters have today sworn to serve and protect Territorians.

Rob Knight - Leases signed in Maningrida, Gunbalanya & Wadeye
The Northern Territory (NT) communities of Maningrida, Gunbalanya and Wadeye have signed 40-year leases which will allow housing work to begin across the three communities under the Australian and Northern Territory Governments’ Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP).

Kon Vatskalis - Minister Addresses Major Mining Conference in the NT
Minister for Resources Kon Vatskalis will today present the keynote address for the Territory’s premier mining conference, Mining the Territory, where he will reinforce the NT Government’s commitment to the industry.

Delia Lawrie - Territory’s Labour Force remains strong
New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) labour force data released today shows the Northern Territory continues to outperform the nation.

9 September 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Construction Under Way On New Alice Springs Renal Unit
Construction of a new $16.7 million, 12-station dialysis renal unit has begun in Alice Springs, with Health Minister Kon Vatskalis inspecting the site yesterday.

Delia Lawrie - Positive figures shows NT Economy strong
The release of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data today shows again the Northern Territory’s economy is leading the nation.

Karl Hampton - Ti Tree School Celebrates Important Milestone
Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton will this morning drive to Ti Tree, 190km north of Alice Springs, to join and participate in 40th birthday celebrations for the local school.

7 September 2009
Dr Chris Burns - Chinese Compete For Top Prize of Touring The Territory
Two Chinese women, competing against 36 000 other Chinese contestants, have won 14 days touring the Top End, with a Chinese film crew following their adventure.

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Kon Vatskalis - Health Minister’s Remote Doctor Strategy Receives Federal, State and Territory Support
An NT Government paper on national strategies to increase the remote health workforce has been welcomed by Federal and State Health Ministers.

Karl Hampton / Paul Henderson - Logo and New School Colours Revealed
The Chief Minister Paul Henderson and the Minister for Central Australia Karl Hampton today unveiled the new Centralian Middle School logo and the school colours.

Paul Henderson - Playing Politics with Police
The Chief Minister and Police Minister Paul Henderson today attacked the Opposition over its criticism of Commissioner Paul White and the Northern Territory Police Fire and Emergency Services.

Gerry McCarthy - Upgrades At Alice Springs Correctional Centre
Construction is well underway on the Henderson Government’s $12.3 million expansion of prisoner accommodation at Alice Springs Correctional Centre.

6 September 2009
Paul Henderson - Recognising Excellence in Our Teachers
Territorians are being called upon to nominate outstanding educators for the 2009 Teaching in the Territory Excellence Awards.

Karl Hampton - Speedway Set For $750,000 Upgrade
Sports Minister Karl Hampton today announced the Territory Government will contribute $750,000 towards vital upgrades at Northline Speedway in Darwin.

4 September 2009
Paul Henderson - Chief Minister Thanks Paul White
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today thanked Paul White for his significant contribution in improving Police, Fire and Emergency Services for all Territorians.

Karl Hampton - Northern Territory Institute of Sport Coaches Re-appointed
Sports Minister Karl Hampton today announced the appointment of four NTIS Coaches for the AFL, Cricket, Rugby Union and Hockey NTIS Sport Programs.

Paul Henderson - Recognising Outstanding Students
Nominations for the 2009 Chief Minister’s Literacy Achievement Awards are now open

Gerry McCarthy - Smoother Ride For MVR Patrons
A new system to make visiting some Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) offices more streamlined and comfortable has been introduced by the Henderson Government to deliver efficiencies in vehicle registration and licensing.

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3 September 2009
Karl Hampton / Paul Henderson - $6.2 Million Home Of Netball Officially Opened
Chief Minister Paul Henderson and Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton will officially open the Territory’s new $6.2 million home of netball at Marrara tonight.

Kon Vatskalis - “Barra”cade to commence on Corroboree Billabong
The health of our barramundi fishery will be under the microscope as part of the annual survey of Corroboree Billabong next month, Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis said today

Dr Chris Burns - Alice Springs The Centre Of Regional Tourism
Tourism Minister Dr Chris Burns today welcomed 100 delegates to Alice Springs for the 9th Australian Regional Tourism Convention.

Delia Lawrie - Balance of Trade shows strong NT Economy
The balance of trade for the Northern Territory increased by 7.6 per cent in the year to July 2009, new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released today show.

Kon Vatskalis - Minister Pushes For More Remote Doctors At Health Conference
Health Minister Kon Vatskalis will present a paper on increasing the remote health workforce when he attends the Health Ministers Ministerial Conference today.

Gerry McCarthy - Red Light Speed Cameras Switched On For Trial
The Henderson Government’s crackdown on dangerous motorists who speed through red light intersections steps up another notch today, with the start of the testing period for the first four of eight new safety cameras for the Darwin region.

2 September 2009
Paul Henderson - Boosting Indigenous Employment
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson has congratulated Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) for its commitment to Indigenous employment.

Rob Knight - Housing Minister Attends Conference
Minister for Housing Rob Knight is today in Queensland to attend the 2nd International Urban Design Conference.

Delia Lawrie - Major new subdivision proposed for Palmerston
The Minister for Planning and Lands, Delia Lawrie, today welcomed the announcement by Charles Darwin University of plans for a residential development at its Palmerston campus that could see up to 500 new homes built.

Gerry McCarthy - New Appointee To Drive Producers' Hub
A well-known Darwin performer and artist has been appointed to lead a joint project between the Henderson Government and the Australia Council for the Arts that will foster creative talent in the Northern Territory.

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Delia Lawrie - NT Economy continues to Outperform the Nation
Treasurer, Delia Lawrie, today welcomed new ABS figures which showed the Territory’s economy continued to outperform the nation last financial year.

Delia Lawrie - NT economy not in recession
Media reports by the ABC today that the Northern Territory economy is in recession are wrong and demonstrate a lack of understanding of statistical information released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

1 September 2009
Kon Vatskalis - Palmerston Boat Ramp Improvements
Territorians will be asked to have their say on a $4 million upgrade to the Palmerston Boat Ramp – an NT Government election commitment.

Delia Lawrie - Proposed Re-zoning of Berrimah North Land
The community is being asked to have their say on a proposed rezoning and residential development of privately owned land at Berrimah North.

Karl Hampton - Waterfowl Hunting Season Starts Today
Parks and Wildlife Minister Karl Hampton today wished Territory hunters well as the waterfowl hunting season begins today for another year, from 6.20am.