Dummies Guide to the NT Government’s financial plan

WHO’S got the time to read through boring government reports? Here’s our summary of what the changes the NT Government’s response to its budget crisis will mean for you.

Fixing the government finances, or wall mounting a TV, it’s all pretty much the same.

WHO’S got the time to read through boring government reports?

Treasurer Nicole Manison this morning revealed John Langoulant’s long awaited review of the NT’s fiscal situation and her government’s response to it.

Most of the initiatives are focused at cutting expenditure, but a small number of revenue raising initiatives are mentioned.

BUDGET REPAIR STORIES

BUDGET Fix: The NT Government’s plan

MORE than 50 of the highest public servants face the sack

POLLIES, chief executives cop pay freeze among budget crisis

SHORTEN government would ‘bail out’ cash-strapped NT

NT GOVERNMENT to set a ‘debt limit’

Here’s our summary of what the changes will mean for you.

■ New $40 number plate fee

■ Increase fee for personalised plates from $189 to $250

■ Double the fireworks licensing fee paid by fireworks retailers

■ Introduce and increase park and camping fees

■ Increase entry fees for “selected” Museum and Art Gallery NT properties

■ “Review” rental arrangements for teachers working in Katherine

■ Halve the number of university scholarships offered

■ Public servants’ wage increases will be capped at $1000 a year

■ “Explicitly prohibit” back pay if public servants don’t sign on to new EBAs

■ Increase health department pathology charges

■ Create a ‘debt ceiling’ or a limit the NT Government may borrow

■ A wage freeze for pollies and 643 senior public servants on executive contracts for three years

■ A ten per cent reduction in the number of public servants on executive contracts between $217,000 and $391,000