What NT industry wants from its new commissioners

The permanent appointments to the two key roles of Major Projects Commissioner and Investment Commissioner should be welcomed, the peak body representing the construction industry says.

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THE permanent appointments to the two key roles of Major Projects Commissioner and Investment Commissioner should be welcomed by everybody interested in the Territory’s future, the peak body representing the construction industry says.

Master Builders NT chief executive Dave Malone said the roles, along with the Infrastructure Commissioner, were central to driving the economy forward.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced the promotions of Jason Schoolmeester to the position of Territory Major Projects Commissioner and Andy Cowan as Investment Commissioner.

Andy Cowan is the Investment Commissioner. Picture: Che Chorley

Jason Schoolmeester is the new Territory Major Projects Commissioner.

While the promotions drew criticism from the opposition, the Master Builders NT was one of two major peak industry bodies to welcome the promotions.

Mr Malone described the commissioners as five-star generals leading an army of public servants chasing new opportunities for jobs and business.

“Last year we argued before the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission that we must develop a single-minded focus around investment,” he said.

“We said that we must compete for every single investment dollar. That nothing would be handed to us on a plate. And that we must be an easy place to invest, while still holding firm on community standards. Our view was a simple one. If we don’t succeed around investment then we will all pay the price in less jobs and lost business opportunities that will just go elsewhere.

“We were pleased when the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission saw economic development in exactly those same terms, and the appointments of Mr Cowan and Mr Schoolmeester now turn those commitments into something very solid.”

Mr Malone said both “generals” were appointed because the Territory needed to do much better.

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“Both now have their hands on every lever available to the Territory … it is now their turn to lean forward towards investors, and crucially get results,” Mr Malone said. “But even beyond that, Mr Cowan and Mr Schoolmeester must set a new standard for the Territory Government. Territorians invest a lot in the people who grow our economy. We need to be ambitious and go after being the best place to invest in Australia. Win that war, and we will all benefit.”

Chamber of Commerce NT chief executive Greg Ireland also welcomed the appointments.

“Both Andrew and Jason bring extensive experience and capability to these critical roles,” he said. “We look forward to engaging with them to achieve significant outcomes for the benefit of the entire NT community.”