Opinion: Anna Alexander weighs in on state of the NT economy

Solutions to some of the biggest challenges that truly impede the economic and social step change that could see the NT deliver on our potential are in the hands of the Australian Government, writes Anna Alexander.

The Northern Territory holds a unique and vital position in Australia’s national landscape.

Its strategic importance spans geopolitical, economic, and cultural dimensions crucial to the nation’s present and future.

The NT is central to Australia’s Defence strategy, serving as a key point of engagement with the United States and other allies through joint military exercises like Pitch Black.

Its location in the Indo-Pacific region positions it as a frontline for national security and regional stability.

Rich in critical minerals like lithium, rare earth elements and uranium, the NT supports global supply chains and advances Australia’s leadership in technology and renewable energy.

Its agricultural sector, with vast cattle farms and crop production, significantly contributes to Australia’s food security and export revenues.

The NT is also an important part of Australia’s social fabric through our rich and diverse cultures and communities.

More than 30 per cent of the NT’s population are First Nations peoples whose rich cultural heritage is the world’s oldest known civilisation, with ancestries stretching back 75,000 years.

Anna Alexander is an APSI Fellow, CDU Graduate and AustralianAmerican Leadership Dialogue Alumnus.

The NT has a lot going for it. It also has a lot of challenges.

Solutions to some of the biggest challenges that truly impede the economic and social step change that could see the NT deliver on our potential are in the hands of the Australian Government.

Impediments include inadequate infrastructure investment, restrictive migration policies that limit the flow of skilled workers, and insufficient federal representation, which affects our ability to advocate effectively for the Territory’s unique needs and priorities.

Addressing these issues requires targeted federal support and policy adjustments to unlock the NT’s full potential and drive sustainable development.

The NT has 17 per cent of Australia’s landmass, and yet we only have two members in the House of Representatives and two Senate representatives.

Compare that to Tasmania, which has less than 1 per cent of Australia’s landmass but has five House members and 12 Senators.

This highlights a huge disparity in political representation.

The NT has strong foundations with institutions like Charles Darwin University punching above their weight, especially in graduate employment outcomes.

Attracting more international students, who enhance our workforce and build diplomatic ties, is one solution to our workforce challenges.

Addressing housing affordability and availability, investing in small businesses, and developing smart infrastructure to meet the needs of Defence, industry, and community are essential.

Increased federal representation could step-change our progress—not overnight, but through sustained advocacy in parliament, ensuring the NT has an equal voice in national decisions and receives the support and resources needed to thrive.

The NT has had many incredible leaders throughout history: from local and state politicians to government, community and industry leaders.

But leadership needs to be coupled with a seat at the table.

Together, we collectively manage a disproportionately large mass of Australia - a landmass critical to the nation’s security.

It is about time the NT is given fair representation alongside our state and territory counterparts.

Greater federal representation would deliver a real and tangible mechanism that will shift the dial on critical policy issues that impact our region – and benefit the nation - into the future.

Born in Alice Springs, Anna Alexander is an APSI Fellow, CDU Graduate and Australian American Leadership Dialogue Alumnus.