NT government department CEOs put on notice to deliver on TERC report recommendations

HEADS of Territory government departments have been ordered to have their plans on how to tackle the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s report on Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s desk by February.

• NT Govt debt could double to hit $16bn by 2030, Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission warns in final report
• Territory’s economic blueprint revealed in final TERC report

HEADS of Territory government departments have been ordered to have their plans on how to tackle the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s report on Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s desk by February.

Chief executives have been directed to outline goals over the short and long-term and provide an implementation plan as Mr Gunner looks to make some of the most powerful public servants in the Territory accountable.

Key executives who will be put on notice include Chief Minister and Cabinet department boss Jodie Ryan and Industry, Tourism and Trade department boss Shaun Drabsch.

It comes as the government grapples with spiralling debt and a flatlining economy amid the global pandemic.

Heads of Territory government departments have been ordered to have their plans on how to tackle the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s report on Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s desk by February. Picture: Glenn Campbell

MORE ON THE TERC REPORT

TERC report recommendations could reap huge investment in NT mining, says Mineral Council of Australia

‘It is achievable but we must move forward’: $40bn economic goal by 2020 can be reached says Chamber of Commerce

Hospitality NT boss says TERC suggestions could be game-changing for the industry

Responding to questions from the NT News, Mr Gunner said: “I’ve directed agencies to have implementation plans for the report back on my desk in February.”

“They will report back to me on what is already being done to reach these goals, what needs to be done in the next two years, and what needs to be done in the long-term,” he said. “The public service has done an incredible job this year, helping to keep the Territory safe and working. There is a lot of hard work ahead of us and I know they are up to the job.”

Mr Gunner said the “can do” attitude that had worked so far during the pandemic was integral in turning a new page in the Territory’s economy.

“Our task now is to use the ‘whatever it takes’ approach that steered us through this crisis, and keep it going for the recovery,” he said. “It’s simple. We’ve all got a job. Let’s do it.”

OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1

The TERC report, released on Tuesday, outlined the key steps needed to turn around the Territory’s economy, including job creation, private investment, and looking towards helping Indigenous people provide economic leadership.

The report found focus should be put towards industry such as tourism, energy, agribusiness, resources, Defence and space.

Follow @JudithAisthorpe