NT to join the nationwide great race to become the new home of Qantas HQ

THE Northern Territory Government will throw its hat in the ring as Australia’s powerhouse states scramble to convince Qantas to pick them for its new headquarters.

THE Northern Territory Government will throw its hat in the ring as Australia’s powerhouse states scramble to convince Qantas to pick them for its new headquarters.

The national carrier has triggered a nationwide bidding war for the airline’s headquarters and more than 6000 staff after flagging plans to pull up stumps at Mascot.

While just four states and the ACT have been invited to submit expressions of interest for the nerve centre as Qantas downsizes to a leaner operation post-COVID-19, the airline said the Northern Territory could join in the expressions of interest.

“I hope this is serious and not just a stunt, because if they were really serious they would be looking at the Territory,” Chief Minister Michael Gunner said.

“The Territory is the safest place in Australia, we are back in business before the rest of Australia, and we are closest to the rest of the world.

Qantas has triggered a nationwide bidding war for the airline’s headquarters and more than 6000 staff. Picture: Christian Gilles

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“It’s time the rest of the country were reminded that the NT in Qantas stands for the Northern Territory.

“We are putting our hand up and telling Qantas to give us a go.

“It makes sense for the flying kangaroo to call the Territory home.”

Qantas has already sent letters to the NSW, Victorian, South Australian, Queensland and ACT governments.

Queensland, which recently convinced Virgin to remain headquartered in Brisbane, has signalled its interest in bringing Qantas home to the place where it started 100 years ago.

“Queensland is the reason there’s a Q in Qantas,” Treasurer Cameron Dick said.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall announced Department of Trade and Investment head Leonie Muldoon would lead SA’s bid taskforce for Qantas.

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ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberra would be “an ideal location for the Qantas HQ and/or key elements of the airline’s business”.

Qantas chief financial officer Vanessa Hudson said the airline was keen to engage with governments on any potential incentives as part of its decision-making.