NT target young women and new mature residents

The targeted and strategic incentives will apply to women aged between 20 and 39 years, and people aged between 55 and 65 years, who apply for jobs on the high priority list.

The incentives were announced as part of the Northern Territory Population Growth Strategy 2018 – 2028, which aims to create 21,000 jobs and boost the Territory’s economy by $10 billion over the next decade, by returning the population growth rate to historical averages.

Territory businesses who are unable to fill positions on the high priority list with a local person, can register for the program and extend their search interstate.

If they find a suitable candidate – who meets the program criteria – the incentives may apply, once that person has been hired and relocated.

When someone changes their Medicare address and drivers license and demonstrates they are a Territorian they increase the Territory’s share of GST revenue.

On average this is around $11,000 more per person.

Please read the full details: https://population.nt.gov.au/

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said: "Every Territorian benefits from attracting more people to the Territory.

"More people means more jobs, more police and better schools and hospitals.

"These incentives target those sectors where we know we need to grow, and where we know there are job vacancies.

"More people means more GST funding – more to invest in schools, hospitals and police.

"All Territorians will be benefit from a growing population – it means more jobs, more customers, more work for everyone."

Also, the Ministerial Advisory Council for Senior Territorians (MACST) met in Darwin at Parliament House this week.

The role of MACST is to provide valuable advice to the Northern Territory Government around social, economic and community topics that are important to senior Territorians.

A range of important issues were discussed at the meeting including how Government is working to engage and retain seniors in the Territory through the NT Population Strategy, an update on the implementation of the new NT Concession Scheme and Seniors Recognition Scheme, development of the National Plan to address Elder Abuse, plans to further enrich the Seniors Card program, community safety in the NT, and links with NT Youth Round Table about current issues being faced by both groups.

One of the core topics discussed was the issue of community safety and its effect on seniors. Community safety will be a main focus in the newly established Population Strategy Working Group.

A second working group was also formed at the close of the meeting to investigate issues surrounding aged care facilities and retirement villages in the Northern Territory. With an ageing population, it is vital that services such as these continue to meet the needs of seniors in the Territory.

Another significant component of the meeting was the inaugural coming together of MACST members and NT Youth Round Table Members. This connection will continue into the future, offering opportunities to collaborate on mutual issues and fostering intergenerational understanding and appreciation.

The wealth of knowledge and experience of the Council members on topics that affect our senior’s community is highly valued.

Acting Executive Director, Territory Families Programs and Engagement, Siobhan Okley said the Council provides Government with strong, open and honest advice and input. 

“The views of Territory Seniors can be heard through the voices represented on the Council who are well connected across NT communities.”

There are 14 members on the Advisory Council from Katherine, Darwin, Palmerston, Alice Springs and the Tiwi Islands including representatives from the Council of the Ageing NT, Association of Independent Retirees, and the Commonwealth Department of Health, several members from the Northern Territory seniors’ community and the Minister for Territory Families.