“We understand that many families and businesses are doing it tough, and that’s why Budget 2018 is investing in jobs and our people,” Ms Manison said. 

Key highlights of Budget 2018 includes:

·        $1.45 billion to develop vital health, education, community safety and tourism infrastructure - creating and supporting local jobs

·        $626.4 million on building and improving roads across the Territory

·        $103 million to turbocharge tourism - attracting more visitors to the Territory and putting more money into the pockets of Territorians

·        Ongoing delivering of our $1.1 billion Remote Housing Program which is improving living conditions for some of our most vulnerable Territorians

“Attracting more people to call the Territory home means more jobs and supports local businesses.

“We also want to retain Territorians and that’s why Budget 2018 offers strategic payroll exemptions to encourage local businesses to employ more Territorians and encourages more people to become Territorians.

“This includes rebates for businesses that replace pre-existing interstate fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers with local employees. This means a better deal for locals, and a better deal for businesses.

“By targeting our spending where it will have maximum impact, we will see long-term, generational economic and social change for all Territorians.”