Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro reflects on 100 days of CLP government

We promised Territorians we would reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore our lifestyle, and that’s what we’re delivering, writes Lia Finocchiaro.

We have just marked 100 days of our new CLP Government, a milestone symbolising change for the better, and decisive action for the Northern Territory.

We promised Territorians we would reduce crime, rebuild the economy and restore our lifestyle, and that’s what we’re delivering.

When we came to office, the Territory was in crisis.

Crime was left to grow unabated, and our police were let down.

For five-and-a-half years, the Territory had the worst-performing economy in the nation.

For too long, Territorians were told that this was “the new normal”.

Well, it’s not.

Within two weeks of the election, we started our Machinery of Government reforms to streamline the public service into smaller more agile agencies.

On my first day as Chief Minister, I met with the Police Commissioner to set the tone: community safety isn’t just a priority – it will be the cornerstone of this government, and the police have our full support.

This resulted in 60 additional uniformed police out on our streets.

We urgently prepared our ‘Reducing Crime’ package for the first sittings of Parliament.

Within eight weeks, we passed Declan’s Law, delivering stronger bail laws that hold offenders accountable like never before.

We’ve amended the Bail Act to crack down on repeat offenders, ensuring those who threaten our community face consequences.

The police’s Operation Ludlow commenced last month in response to increased activity in Alice Springs.

Operation Ludlow supports frontline police and Strike Force Viper investigators by utilising additional resources from outside the Southern Command to address crime.

We have rolled out our School Attendance Officer Program, holding parents accountable and ensuring kids are in classrooms.

Within eight weeks, we unveiled a Territory-wide Corrections Infrastructure Plan so we can get prisoners out of police watch houses and criminals off the street.

Growing the economy is not a nice to have, it is a must do.

Our HomeGrown Territory Grants Program launched on October 1, and we have already received more than 190 applications.

Starting January 1, our payroll tax reforms will deliver real relief to local businesses, saving employers an average $22,000 annually, and abolishing payroll tax altogether for small businesses with turnovers under $2.5 million.

The Office of the Territory Coordinator is a powerful economic reform that will change the investment landscape for projects of significance, and provide certainty in decision-making for investors.

As an example, the Territory Coordinator could request the NT Environment Protection Authority to prioritise Environmental Impact Statement assessments for significant projects, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently, expediting approvals while maintaining legislative standards.

We’re inviting all Territorians to get involved in the consultation, which runs until January 17, 2025.

We have also established the Approvals Fast Track Taskforce.

It is made up entirely of the private sector and is looking at regulatory reform, so that we can make it easier to do business in the Territory.

We have established an Asian Relations portfolio and already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Indonesia, reinforcing our partnership on critical mineral and strategic material supply chains.

We have introduced legislation to recover $121.5 million in unpaid fines, and expanded the types of healthcare that can be delivered at your local chemist.

We have invested $27 million into infrastructure projects in Alice Springs, which will enhance liveability, boost tourism, and create new opportunities for business.

We’ve saved Anzac Oval while progressing the iconic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia.

Starting January 1, we’re introducing free swimming lessons for all primary school students in years 1-6, and free Meningococcal B vaccines will roll out from the same date.

We have delivered for waterfowl hunters by locking in current bag limits and season dates for five years, and expanded access at Harrison Dam.

The new Solar Battery Grants of up to $12,000 are slashing household energy costs and driving the renewable energy revolution.

We’ve delivered MVR reforms, with car rego fees frozen until July 1 2026, free driver’s licenses for a year, and three-year trailer registrations.

Our first 100 days have been about laying the foundation for a Territory that’s globally connected, locally strong, and unapologetically forward-thinking.

But this isn’t the finish line for us, it’s just the starting block.

Nothing will stop us from delivering on the commitments we made to Territorians.