The Territory and Federal governments are in a strong position to work collaboratively for the benefit of the north after Shadow Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro’s visit to Canberra last week.
Mrs Finocchiaro met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, as well as Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King.
“It was comforting to finish those meetings knowing we’re on the same page when it comes to the needs and opportunities of the Northern Territory,” she said.
“The Defence Minister appreciates the geographical significance of Darwin in the defence of our nation and acknowledged that more focus needed to be placed on the north and west of the country.
“But I also impressed on him how much benefit a relatively small increase in the number of troops can have on the local economy and community, compared with southern capitals where similar changes go largely unnoticed.”
Mrs Finocchiaro said the key message from her meeting with Minister King was that the Middle Arm project in Darwin would be controlled by the Northern Territory government so the onus was on the Fyles government to deliver.
“While I would like to see the Northern Australia portfolio in the hands of someone from the north, Minister King’s Perth location means she appreciates Canberra’s excessive focus on Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“It was a very good meeting with Minister King and her understanding of the issues and obstacles of the northern region gives me confidence we can have a great working relationship.”
ENDS