She’ll be right’ attitude could cost NT billions

The Northern Territory is poised at the edge of a resources boom but the opportunity will pass by without dedicated efforts to make it happen, according to industry leaders.

A Bush Summit panel discussing the Territory’s challenges and opportunities was hosted at the NT News’ Future NT forum in Darwin recently.

Moderated by Sky News’ Matt Cunningham, panellists included Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co chief executive Adam Giles, Darwin Airport Development Group chief executive Tony Edmondstone, Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision co-chair Imants Kins, Acting NT Health chief executive Susan Bowden and Special Envoy for Remote Communities Marion Scrymgour.

Mr Kins said that without attractive tax settings the NT would be passed over – despite its rich gas and critical mineral resources.

He warned against a “she’ll be right, mate” attitude, and called for a special economic zone to be established in the Northern Territory.

“It’s not gonna be ‘right, mate’, because we’re not competitive,” Mr Kins said.

“We’re surrounded by 7000 special economic zones around the world. 

“They litter Asia, our neighbours … They’ve had them for 30, 20 years, and that’s been the springboard for their development.

“Life is often about timing, the Northern Territory is in a perfect position of timing … you’ve got this amazing gas discovery.

“This opportunity, it may not come again. If you want to capitalise on this opportunity, work together with the Commonwealth and establish Australia’s first economic zone.”

Federal member for Lingiari Ms Scrymgour said sections of the government were pushing for tax reform across northern Australia and the NT, but it was a question of getting the rest of the party on board. 

Ms Scrymgour also emphasised the need for both genuine consultation with Aboriginal traditional owners and balanced environmental safeguards in order to allow for development that was sustainable and had a social license to operate.

“Beads and trinkets don’t work anymore … we’ve seen those offerings in (remote Aboriginal) communities – it’s short-term gain, it doesn’t really sustain those communities or that project into the longer term,” she said.

Ms Scrymgour said many traditional owners around the Beetaloo were not anti-fracking, but did want protection of water and strong environmental controls. 

“There is nothing wrong with saying that if we’re gonna have industry go ahead, we’ve got to make sure that the environment is protected. 

“I don’t think it should be one or the other. 

“We can reach consensus on both, and we can build strong foundations here.”

Panellists also discussed the need for services to be able to meet local population needs – meaning good schools, more aged care, and reliable health and maternity services.

Hundreds of politicians, senior public servants, business owners and industry leaders were in attendance at the event, with optimism about the Territory’s future.