Plan to lure new Territorians with cash

The Strategy – the first of its kind in Territory history – aims to return the Territory’s population growth rate to the historical long-run average of 1.4 per cent, from the recent low growth path of 0.6%.

Research tells us we need to see an additional 2600 people arriving in the Territory each year.

Achieving this goal is expected to create around 21,000 jobs over a decade and provide a $10 billion boost to the Territory’s economy.

Supported by annual Population Action Plans, targeted population growth initiatives include:

Attracting investment and creating jobs by encouraging local employment and a strategic focus on infrastructure, tourism, defence, trade and international engagement

Telling the modern Territory story. The new Masterbrand – The Territory, Boundless Possible – reflects the lifestyle and opportunities of the modern Northern Territory

Attracting early career women, mid and late career workers and migrants including through financial incentives for those who enter occupations on the Northern Territory Skilled Occupation Priority List.

Incentives include:

New Territorians Bonus:

Cash payment to eligible applicants to meet relocation and transition costs, up to: Singles = $3000 Couples = $6000 Families = $7000

Registration for the bonus will commence November 1.

Local Benefit Bonus:

A $1250 benefit, payable after six months, to be spent in the first two years, on local spending such as: vehicle registration and licensing, local hospitality vendors, child care support

Five-year retention bonus:

Cash payment to eligible applicants after 5 years continuous residence, to be spent locally, for purposes that benefit a long-term resident:

Singles = $3000. Couples = $6000. Families = $7000.

Enhancing liveability including revitalising the Darwin and Alice Springs CBD,  and improving sporting, recreational and cultural experiences and investing in safer communities: and

Understanding the drivers of population change though ongoing research.

The 2018 – 2028 NT Population Growth Strategy is a 10-year plan, underpinned by contemporary research from Charles Darwin University.

It’s about attracting people to the Territory and keeping them here, and encouraging those already here to stay for the long term.

International attraction efforts will start with a representative of the Department of Trade Business and Innovation travelling to Manila in coming weeks to immediately implement the plan to attract skilled workers.

The Philippines is a key source country for trade, hospitality, health and care sector workers and international students.

Former Territorians – our very best ambassadors – can enrol in the Territory’s Expat Program today, to keep up to date with news about the Territory, including job listings, updates about initiatives, new events, industries and opportunities.

The NT Government will invest $50.4 million over the next two years to implement these targeted population growth initiatives, including $13.8 million to attract and retain key target markets, including women and late career workers.

The 2018 – 2028 Northern Territory Population Growth Strategy can be found at https://population.nt.gov.au/

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the NT Government’s number one priority was creating local jobs. Attracting more people to live in the Territory means more jobs.

"More people making the Territory their home is the key to our bright future, and creating the best opportunities for future generations.

"This is a comprehensive, detailed plan to grow the Territory’s population and create local jobs.  No other Territory Government has been this serious and strategic about population growth and job creation.

"We have hit the ground running, with efforts to attract skilled migrants getting underway immediately in Manila, and our Territory Expats program kicking off this week.

"Many regional jurisdictions are trying to grow their populations.  This is an extremely competitive market, and the only way we can win this battle is if we all work together.”