Northern Territory Government Newsroom

February

22 February 2012
Paul Henderson - Growing our own skilled workforce
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed the record number of new student enrolments to Charles Darwin University.

Karl Hampton - Major Upgrades to Territory Wildlife Park
Local residents of the Territory Wildlife Park, Angel the Barn Owl, Labelle the Wedge Tailed Eagle, and Blondie the Albino Python, today joined the Minister for Parks and Wildlife, Karl Hampton, to announce the launch of tenders which will see all 12 aviary huts undergo major upgrades.

21 February 2012
Kon Vatskalis - 50 Tonne of Concrete = Better Top End Fishing
More than 50 tonnes of concrete pipes and culverts will be sunk at the bottom of the ocean off Lee Point– but it’s all in the name of better fishing!

Malarndirri McCarthy - The Original “Love Boat” and Queen Mary 2 sail into Darwin Harbour
Darwin is set for a monumental week in cruise ship visits when the original “Love Boat” and the Queen Mary 2 sails into the harbour bringing with them 2,983 passengers and 1,560 crew to our shores.

20 February 2012
Dr Chris Burns - Education Funding reviewed in Gonski Report
Minister for Education and Training Chris Burns today welcomed the release of the Australian Government’s Review of Funding for Schooling Report.

Karl Hampton - Live, Love, Learn about our Parks - Free Community Events
Minister for Parks and Wildlife, Karl Hampton, announced that this year there will be a series of free community events run by staff from the Parks and Wildlife Service across the Northern Territory.

Paul Henderson - Multimillion dollar contract awarded to build world class Marine Supply Base
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed the signing of a $104 million contract to build and operate a world class Marine Supply Base at East Arm.

Malarndirri McCarthy - NT Pushes for Business at Major Events Expo
Tourism Minister, Malarndirri McCarthy announced that Tourism NT’s Convention Bureau will today lead a delegation of 12 Northern Territory businesses to the Asia-Pacific Incentive and Meetings Expo (AIME) in Melbourne.

Rob Knight - Opportunity knocks for adventurous Seniors
Innovative and adventurous activities will be given a high priority in this year’s Seniors Month grants, with applications open until 23 March.

19 February 2012
Kon Vatskalis - NT Backs Governor-General's Call to Discuss Organ Donation
DonateLife Week will be launched in the Territory tomorrow morning by its patron, the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, at a special ceremony at Darwin Botanic Gardens

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Delia Lawrie - Turning growth into jobs for Territorians
Public forums are underway across the Territory to provide locals with the opportunity to have their say on the next NT Employment Strategy.

18 February 2012
Paul Henderson - New $10 million Defence of Darwin Experience now open to families
Families will now be able to learn more about the bombing of Darwin with the new $10 million Defence of Darwin Experience opening its doors to the public for the first time today.

17 February 2012
Paul Henderson - Bombing of Darwin survivors and family members honoured
More than 1000 people will come together today to recognise Territory families affected by the bombing of Darwin as part of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.

Malarndirri McCarthy - Congratulations to New Airnorth Service to Townsville
Tourism Minister Malarndirri McCarthy today congratulated Airnorth on the commencement of direct non-stop flights from Darwin to Townsville.

Dr Chris Burns - Supporting our Top Teachers
Today 32 of the Territory’s top teachers will graduate from the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher program.

16 February 2012
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The Minister for Information and Communication Policy, Karl Hampton, today welcomed announcements from Internet Service Providers iiNet and Internode that Darwin now has access to their full range of broadband services after turning on high-speed broadband equipment at Casuarina, Nightcliff, Palmerston, and Darwin telephone exchanges yesterday.

Michael Gunner / Paul Henderson - Free phone app for Defence of Darwin Experience
Chief Minister Paul Henderson will today launch a free Defence of Darwin Experience interactive smart phone application, encouraging families to download the free app ahead of the opening this weekend.

Delia Lawrie - If you want a Job, Come to the Territory
Figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show continued employment growth in the Territory, with the second lowest unemployment rate in Australia at 4.2%.

Delia Lawrie - NEW AGREEMENT TO MEET DARWIN’S GROWTH CHALLENGES
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, and Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister, Delia Lawrie MLA, today announced a new migration program for the Darwin region to help employers fill skills and labour shortages associated with major projects.

15 February 2012
Gerry McCarthy - Getting Set for Territory Growth
The Territory Government today released three long-term strategies to guide infrastructure investment to support the Territory’s growth.

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Gerry McCarthy - Media Advisory
As part of the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin, Minister for Transport Gerry McCarthy will join the Darwin Port Corporation to unveil a tribute to the waterside workers and seafarers who lost their lives at Stokes Hill Wharf in 1942.

Gerry McCarthy - Paying tribute to waterside workers and seafarers
Minister for Transport Gerry McCarthy today unveiled a mural at Stokes Hill Wharf in tribute to the waterside workers and seafarers who lost their lives during the bombing of Darwin.

Karl Hampton - Rangers of Tomorrow... ASSEMBLE!
Young and enthusiastic environmentalists are being called to join the popular Junior Ranger Program for 2012.

Karl Hampton - STATEMENT: Edith River Clean-Up
I can confirm that following the issue of a second Authorised Officer Direction to Genesee and Wyoming Australia (GWA) on Monday 13 February, the company will commence action tomorrow to clean-up the remaining freight and containers at the Edith River site.

14 February 2012
Dr Chris Burns - BIITE Amendments Ensure Stronger Education Outcomes
Amendments to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (BIITE) were passed in the Northern Territory Parliament today.

Karl Hampton - Crocodile Safari Back On The Agenda
Environment Minister, Karl Hampton, welcomed the recent announcement that saltwater crocodile safari hunting was back on the agenda, with Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke willing to reconsider the Territory Government’s proposal.

Gerry McCarthy - Listening to Country Defines the Territory
Minister for Arts and Museums Gerry McCarthy today announced the book which most represents the Northern Territory experience, Listening to Country, by Ros Moriarty.

Gerry McCarthy - Media Advisory
Minister for Arts and Museums Gerry McCarthy will today launch the National Year of Reading with a host of well-known media, sports and academic ambassadors.

Paul Henderson - Work starts on new $13 million Fire Station
Construction has started on a new $13 million fire station at Berrimah, Chief Minister Paul Henderson announced today.

13 February 2012
Malarndirri McCarthy - $1.4million Red Centre Campaign Launched
Tourism Minister Malarndirri McCarthy today launched a $1.4 million domestic marketing campaign to promote the Red Centre over the next six weeks

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Kon Vatskalis - ‘Healthy Smiles’ For Remote Kids
A new training program to help primary health care practitioners improve the oral health of children in remote communities was launched by Minister for Health Kon Vatskalis today.

Dr Chris Burns - Gearing up for First Parliament Sittings 2012
The Territory Government will outline its plans to capitalise on the exceptional growth ahead for the Territory when parliament resumes tomorrow for 2012

Malarndirri McCarthy - New Chair Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council appointed
Minister for Indigenous Development, Malarndirri McCarthy, today announced Mrs Pat Brahim as the new Chair of the Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council (IAAC).

Delia Lawrie - Territorians taking advantage of strong housing market
Figure release by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today show the number of Northern Territory housing finance commitments for owner occupation increased by 8.7% in December.

Paul Henderson - Underwater plaque to commemorate sinking of USS Peary
A commemorative plaque will be lowered to the seabed of Darwin Harbour in honour of those who died on the USS Peary during the first bombing of Darwin.

11 February 2012
Malarndirri McCarthy - Nominations for Shires and Local Council elections are now open
Nominations for the NT Council Elections have opened will close at 12noon, 1 March 2012.

10 February 2012
Karl Hampton - ‘ABSOLUTLEY EVERYBODY’ AT 2012 ALICE MASTERS GAMES
Minister for Central Australia, Karl Hampton, today joined sponsors and supporters at the countdown to the 2012 Alice Springs Masters Games.

Gerry McCarthy - Media Advisory
Minister for Arts and Museums Gerry McCarthy will today announce the opening of the nation’s crême de la crême of Indigenous art competitions, the 29th Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA).

Gerry McCarthy - Telstra Art Awards Kick Off
Minister for Arts and Museums Gerry McCarthy today announced the opening of the nation’s crême de la crême of Indigenous art competitions, the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA).

Dr Chris Burns - Top Students Celebrate a Top Education
The Territory’s brightest students of 2011 will celebrate their achievements at the Northern Territory Board of Studies (NTBOS) gala presentation at Parliament House this evening.

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9 February 2012
Paul Henderson - Benefits start to flow from Ichthys Project
Chief Minister Paul Henderson today welcomed the official signing of the JKC joint venture to build the Ichthys Project’s onshore facilities, saying subcontracts were already starting to flow on to Territory businesses.

Kon Vatskalis - Northern Suburbs Superclinic In Federal Discussions
Health Minister Kon Vatskalis is in Canberra today meeting with the Federal Government’s new Health Minister Tanya Plibersek - with the northern suburbs Superclinic at the top of the agenda.

Kon Vatskalis - Territory’s Needs Paramount at Disabilities Summit
Health Minister Kon Vatskalis has reinforced the Government’s commitment to the Northern Territory’s disabilities sector as he prepares to represent the Territory at the high level Select Council on Disability Reform in Canberra this afternoon.

8 February 2012
Jane Aagaard - 2012 PORTRAIT OF A SENIOR TERRITORIAN ART AWARD NOW OPEN
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, The Honourable Jane Aagaard MLA, today announced the dates for the 2012 Portrait of a Senior Territorian Art Award and Exhibition.

Michael Gunner / Paul Henderson - Finishing touches put on new $10 million Defence of Darwin Experience
Finishing touches are being made to the new $10 million Defence of Darwin Experience ready for it to open to families on the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin on Sunday.

7 February 2012
Karl Hampton - $200,000 Boost to Imparja Cup
Sports Minister Karl Hampton announced Territory Government funding of 200,000 over 4 years, adding support to the Imparja Cup cricket tournament in Alice Springs.

Kon Vatskalis - One That Didn’t Get Away … The Reel Top End Story!
Territorians’ fishing snapshots will feature in a unique exhibition debuting in Darwin next month, Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis said today.

Delia Lawrie - Territory Job Ads Rise
Figures released today by the ANZ Bank show newspaper job advertisements rose 9.1% in the year to January.

Kon Vatskalis - Territory Secures National Oil and Gas Conference
The Territory is on its way to becoming the oil and gas capital of Northern Australia with Darwin to host the 2012 National Oil & Gas Workforce Development and Productivity Conference.

6 February 2012
Paul Henderson - Free AFL Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Game this weekend
A free AFL Bombing of Darwin Commemorative game will be held on Saturday to mark the start of the calendar of events to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin.

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Gerry McCarthy - Prison trailers aid community work crews in new era
Alice Springs Correctional Centre inmates have been building trailers for prisoner work crews under the Henderson government’s new era in corrections initiative.

Delia Lawrie - Territory Retail Holding Own in Tough Conditions
Figures released today by the Australia Bureau of Statistics show retail trade turnover grew 2.8% in the Territory in the year to December 2011, against a national average of 2.4%.

3 February 2012
Gerry McCarthy - Brumbies v Western Force
Tomorrow night’s National Rugby Union pre-season game between the University of Canberra Brumbies and the Western Force at Rugby Park, Marrara, promises to be a block-buster.

Gerry McCarthy - Media Advisory
Member for Barkly and football fan, Gerry McCarthy, will join the Brumbies at Crocosaurus Cove today ahead of tomorrow’s match.

Karl Hampton - Oolloo Water Allocation Plan
Minister for Natural Resources and the Environment, Karl Hampton today announced Water Allocation Planning (WAP) has commenced for the Oolloo Aquifer, an underground geological formation with many large cavities filled with fresh water.

Karl Hampton - Summer Holiday Program Makes A Splash
Minster for Central Australia, Karl Hampton, today congratulated everyone involved in the successful Alice Springs summer school holiday program.

Karl Hampton - WNBL and Hoops 4 Health - Free Entry For Early Supporters!
Minister for Sport and Recreation Karl Hampton has congratulated the initiative and said he is delighted to welcome the WNBL back to Alice Springs to play the season’s round 16 match when the West Coast Waves take on the AIS Team.

2 February 2012
Delia Lawrie - Hatching Ideas in an Innovative Territory
Baby crocs, endangered skinks, Indigenous enterprises in Kakadu and using traditional land management techniques to adapt to climate change are among research projects awarded scholarships through the Northern Territory Research and Innovation Fund.