Time for new government to make good on election promises

Now that Anthony Albanese has secured his new digs at The Lodge as Australia’s 31st Prime Minister, it’s time for the new government to stump up on its election promises for the NT.

NOW that Anthony Albanese has secured his new digs at The Lodge as Australia’s 31st Prime Minister, it’s time for the new government to stump up on its election promises for the NT.

Port of Darwin: Labor matched a Coalition pledge of $1.5bn for the Middle Arm industrial precinct in Darwin during the campaign.

Turbo charging the Red Centre: Before sealing victory in Saturday’s federal election, the Labor Party promised to “turbo charge” Alice Springs and Central Australia to the tune of $120m.

On a visit to Alice Springs, Labor luminaries announced $80m in funding for the National Aboriginal Art Gallery, $20m to revitalise the Alice Springs CBD and a further $20m to support social services, including funding to redevelop the Gap Youth Centre.

Labor also pledged $500m to seal vast stretches of the Tanami Hwy and Central Arnhem Rd, promising the upgrades would prevent roadways from being flooded during extreme rain events.

Kakadu cash fast tracked: More than a quarter of a billion dollars will also be fast-tracked for Kakadu National Park if a pre-election promise from Labor’s Terri Butler comes to fruition.

That money is expected to be spent on improving road access and tourist facilities.

Remote housing: Another $100m is due to go towards housing repairs on homelands and in remote communities.

Darwin youth hub: Mr Albanese will also be pressured to make good on a $6m cash splash for a new youth hub in Darwin’s northern suburbs.

The new facility would be the first youth hub in the area since the local Shak Youth Centre closed down.

Prime Minister elect Anthony Albanese at the Marrickville Library on Sunday. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

The environment: Almost $4m of Labor’s nationwide Urban Rivers and Catchments Program was earmarked for creeks and waterways around Darwin and Palmerston during the campaign.

Meanwhile, Labor also pledged to spend almost $10m over four years to tackle the scourge of Gamba Grass.

If realised, the funding will boost the workforce of the Northern Territory’s ‘Gamba Army’, with 30 additional jobs created.

Veterans’ housing: Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles committed to building temporary housing in Darwin for veterans experiencing homelessness.

The $3m pledge would deliver six units plus offices for on-site support services to help veterans find permanent accommodation and employment.

A Palmerston scout group which has gone without a hall since the 1980s was also promised a purpose-built facility at a cost of $500,000 by now re-elected local member Luke Gosling.

Member for Solomon Luke Gosling. Picture: Jason Walls

Mr Gosling, himself a 13-year Army veteran, said the funding for homeless ex-service personnel showed Labor’s commitment to ­Darwin’s “large veteran community”.

“The evidence to the royal com­mission is identifying the negative role that homelessness and couch surfing is having for veterans,” he said.

“Greater Darwin has previously had supported accommodation, but no longer does. As it has in other capital cities, supported accommodation will save veteran lives.”