NT Election 2024: CLP, ALP share policies for cost of living

The ALP and CLP have come forward on their cost of living policies, amid an affordability crisis that is gripping the nation. See their answers.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler and Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro.

As the clock ticks down to the 2024 NT election, the NT News put the Country Liberal Party and Territory Labor in the hot seat, questioning them on their policies around the cost of living crisis.

What will you do to bring down the cost of living for Territorians?

ALP

The Territory Labor Government supports families and businesses to reduce cost of living pressures through a range of concessions, subsidies and incentives.

We have the $40 million Concession Scheme to help reduce the cost of living for more than 15,000 Territorians, who can save over $3400 per year – including $1200 on electricity, $800 on water, and savings on sewerage, council rates and vehicle registration.

Our government’s decision to adopt below-CPI tariff increases on utilities saves households between $184 and $350 on electricity bills and a typical small business customer about $864.

The $7.5 million Seniors Recognition Scheme provides an annual $500 prepaid card for Territory residents over 65.

We provide stamp duty exemption for eligible home buyers who acquire a house and land package on newly developed land, in addition to our $10,000 first homeowner grant, and loans to support homeownership through access to low deposit options.

We support families with our Sports Voucher Scheme, for sports, recreation, cultural and music programs with two $100 vouchers each year, and the Back to School vouchers increased this year to $200 annually to help offset the cost of educational items.

We will continue to ease cost of living pressures for Territorians.

CLP

If we want Territorians to stay and people to move to the Territory, addressing the high cost

of living is vital.

Elevated crime rates drive up expenses through increased insurance premiums and inflated prices for goods and services, hindering economic growth.

Our economic agenda centres on bolstering growth and curbing inflation by cultivating a

conducive business climate.

We intend to expedite project approvals and abolish the burdensome hybrid mining tax, fostering private investment and market competition.

This injection of capital will generate employment opportunities, spur innovation, and most

importantly reduce living costs.

The appointment of a Territory Coordinator will ensure efficient project management,

fostering economic stability and prosperity throughout the Northern Territory.

Public safety lies at the core of CLP values, as we strive to reclaim our streets and cultivate

an environment safe to live, work, and invest.

Empowering small businesses and supporting workers are integral to our vision, enabling families to flourish.

Our commitment to fostering a secure, prosperous, and business-friendly atmosphere

demonstrates our dedication to enhancing the standard of living for all Territorians.

The strong economy we will deliver means lower cost of living, increased liveability and long term secure high paying jobs.

What will you do to bring down the cost of basic groceries in remote communities?

ALP

We know prices in remote community stores generally reflect their higher operating costs.

The Territory Labor Government passed the Food Amendment Bill in 2023, which has allowed the chief health officer to declare all stores previously regulated by the Commonwealth as remote Community Stores.

This law ensures remote stores must provide reasonable, ongoing access to a range of food, drink and grocery items that are reasonably priced, safe and of sufficient quality and quantity.

The Territory Labor Government will be releasing Draft Food Security Standards this month for public consultation.

These standards will apply to all Community Stores.

The approach will be to work with stores in the first instance to help them improve their practice, with a view to pursuing enforcement options if no effort to improve practice is made.

While the National Indigenous Australians Agency is currently developing a National Strategy which will be exploring ways to make food more affordable for remote community residents.

CLP

In remote communities, the soaring prices of essential groceries compound the financial

strain on Territorians already confronting economic hardships.

Our strategy revolves around local governance reforms, empowering Aboriginal Territorians

to make the decisions affecting their communities.

By reforming community government, we seek to streamline regulations and enhance access to vital goods.

Furthermore, strategic investments in road infrastructure and upkeep is pivotal for reducing

transportation expenses and improving goods accessibility.

The Barkly region, enriched with vast agricultural potential, offers an ideal opportunity for economic rejuvenation through agricultural projects.

The CLP is committed to nurturing this potential by supporting the cultivation of arable land,

capitalising on the Territory’s robust cattle industry, and fostering employment in remote

Aboriginal communities.

These economic initiatives demonstrate our unwavering commitment to creating sustainable

job opportunities and alleviating the cost-of-living burdens in remote areas.

As stewards of progress, the CLP is focused on developing a thriving and inclusive Territory, ensuring prosperity for all Territorians.