Treasurer Nicole Manison outlined spending of $2.5 million over the next four years for financial incentives to attract women aged 20-39 and late career workers to the NT.

Ms Manison said the 2018 Territory Budget will create more jobs, attract more people and invest in generational change to create a brighter future.

The NT Government understands many local families, businesses and communities are doing it tough and that’s why Budget 2018 invests in initiatives to grow our population to create more jobs and more opportunity. 

Unveiling her second budget, Treasurer Manison today announced strategic pay-roll exemptions to create NT jobs, local job-creating fly- in/fly-out (FIFO) measures and almost $8 million for six strategic investments to attract more people.

Local Employment Package (more jobs):

“We have listened to NT business and are putting Territorians first with a new Local Employment Package – it will grow the economy and create local jobs,” Treasurer Manison said.

The Local Employment Package provides:

1.   Up to two years payroll tax exemption for new Territory employees employed on or before June 30, 2020, that either:

Increase the number of NT employees of the business, or

Replace an employee that lives interstate (FIFO).

2.   Mineral royalty deduction for accommodation costs for Territory employees and investment by a miner in social and economic infrastructure that benefits NT communities affected by the mine.

3.   To remove a mineral royalty deduction for the fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) travel and ancillary costs of employees that live interstate.

“The Package reflects community feedback that there should be incentives for NT businesses to employ locals over interstate-based fly-in fly-out workers,” she said.

Ms Manison said employers can claim the rebate as exempt wages on a monthly basis, with a requirement to substantiate eligibility through the annual payroll tax reconciliation process by keeping records evidencing the increase in the business’ employee numbers and proof of residence for the new employees.

The effect on payroll tax is expected to be about $3.5 million per annum.

Population investment (more people):

“We know that attracting more people to call the Territory home means more jobs and supports local business,” Treasurer Manison said.

“That’s why, for the first time, the NT now has a targeted population strategy, based on research and backed up with real incentives to grow our population.”

Ms Manison said Budget 18 would invest in “more people” through:

“We need to be smart and target the right people who will come and invest in a life in the Territory because, while we know the NT is incredible, it’s not for everyone,” she said.

The Treasurer has also announced extra funding for special needs school buses in Darwin and Katherine.

“We know that demand is growing for this service in both Katherine and Darwin.

“Budget 2018 invests immediate funding of $120,000 and $460,000 ongoing from 2018/19.

“Students with special needs deserve the same level of education and education services as any other student, and I know families will welcome this funding certainty.”