Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in NT: Chief Minister to lobby federal cabinet for Territory

As Prime Minister Albanese’s frontbench meets in Darwin, Eva Lawler will attempt to sell her vision for the NT – including some of her government’s more controversial measures. Here’s a preview.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler will address federal cabinet when they meet in Darwin on Wednesday, with the chance to sell her vision for the NT’s future. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chief Minister Eva Lawler will address federal Cabinet when it meets in Darwin on Wednesday, in a rare opportunity to directly sell her vision for the Northern Territory’s future and attempt to draw support for key projects and reforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his frontbench are expected to hear Ms Lawler’s pitch for the necessity of gas and Darwin’s Middle Arm precinct – something that has drawn scrutiny at a federal level, with an ongoing Senate inquiry into the planned sustainable development hub.

Ms Lawler will also emphasise her focus on getting Territorians into work, framing it as a crucial factor in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.

Last month the Albanese government announced a $707 million Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program to deliver 3000 jobs in remote Australia.

Some of the project is already earmarked for the NT, including more than $30 million for Remote Training Hubs in Central Australia, but Ms Lawler will lobby for a high proportion to flow to the Territory.

She will also promote several Residential Youth Justice facilities being built in the NT, telling the Cabinet “there is no quick fix” to crime.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s frontbench are expected to hear the Chief Minister’s pitch on the necessity of gas in the NT. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Linda Higginson

“My Government is backing projects that will get the Territory working. The Beetaloo is producing natural gas, and Middle Arm is getting underway,” Ms Lawler told the NT News in a preview of her speech.

“I want to see a Territory that is characterised by work – full employment. This underpins everything I do – I work every day to realise a Territory where every person – Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal – has the opportunity to work.

“The National Aboriginal Art Gallery is progressing, so are the Tiger Brennan Drive works, and sealing of remote roads. This government is getting the Territory connected, working and moving.

“When the CLP was holding the reigns here, it took them two years to build two homes in the bush. With Labor in office in the Territory and in Canberra, each year we have built over 500, and this week announced a landmark $4 billion spend, which will create working and training opportunities.

“We know crime is an issue, and there is no quick fix. It takes hard work and perseverance. This is why we are investing in Residential Youth Justice facilities, and why we are investing in programs.”