PwC chief executive Tom Seymour announces new office for Darwin

As PwC opens its new office in the heart of Darwin, chief executive Tom Seymour discusses some of the exciting aims – and challenges – on the horizon for the Top End.

PricewaterhouseCoopers is expanding its presence in the Top End with a new office opening in Darwin’s CBD on Thursday.

Australia’s largest professional services firm tips the Territory as “strategically significant” for the nation’s future.

Defence, resources and energy, data, agriculture and tourism were the sectors chief executive Tom Seymour predicted the NT would play an increasingly important role, but only if social infrastructure improved to allow the jurisdiction to make the most of the booming opportunities.

“Darwin’s proximity to Asia makes it an essential business link for both the private and public sectors,” Mr Seymour said.

“If you look over the next five to 10 years at the big thematic trends that are driving the world economy and the Australian economy, a lot of them we think are going to play very advantageously for the north of Australia, and in particular Darwin and the Northern Territory.”

PwC Australia chief executive Tom Seymour at the new Darwin office. Picture: Floss Adams

As the pipeline of major projects grows in the Territory, it will need the workers to support it.

Mr Seymour said keeping pace with housing, schools, healthcare and general liveability was essential to attract and retain a large workforce, which was where it got “really hard” for policy makers.

“Darwin’s already got a housing shortage … unless you’ve got that social infrastructure moving slightly ahead of the population then you’re not going to get people to move here on a permanent basis, and those projects become very difficult to bank,” he said.

“The real challenge is how to create a city that’s seen as a place where there’s a great opportunity for a job and an economic future, but also a place you want to go to live and raise kids.

“You need both – one won’t deliver without the other.”

Staff enjoying the new PwC Australia Darwin office. Pictures: Floss Adams.

Capitalising on major projects in the Territory, helping to boost economic activity and delivering key infrastructure and social outcomes will be the focus for the PwC teams newly installed at 7 Kitchener Drive.

The waterfront location – PwC’s most modern office in Australia – is the new home for their 12-strong Indigenous Consulting business, which has been working in the NT since 2013.

An Integrated Infrastructure division comprising four full-time staff will also work from the office.

In the years they have been working in the Territory PwC has advised on projects such as the Adelaide River Offstream Water storage project and Tennant Creek to Darwin Corridor.

Lauren McNamara, 33, relocated to Darwin from Sydney in 2021 to help kickstart the Integrated Infrastructure team, which the company aims to grow in the near future.

PwC Australia team members Jenny Scott, Michael McGregor, Tom Seymour, Sean O’Meara and Lauren McNamara standing in the new Darwin office. Picture: Floss Adams

Ms McNamara is one of the many workers who backs the Top End lifestyle.

“I have the benefit of being able to work on rewarding and diverse projects, while enjoying the lifestyle and opportunity for adventure that the NT presents,” she said.

“I’ve joined a local football team, been on countless hikes and thrown out almost all my winter clothing. I think if you’re adaptable and eager to try new work and life experiences, then Darwin is a brilliant place to live.

“By opening the new office, we will be able to expand the team and dive deeper into the work that’s underway. I am looking forward to watching our practice grow and thrive in the Territory.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the investment by PwC in Darwin reflected the growing opportunities in the region.

“The Territory is taking off, with $40 billion worth of major projects in the pipeline,” she said.

“We are home to some of the most unique opportunities when it comes to work, business and investment, and we are seeing this reflected in major national firms like PwC moving a premises to Darwin.”