The NT Government has appointed an Alice Springs representative to its Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission but it is not yet clear who will speak for other regional areas like Katherine.
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Chief Minister Michael Gunner today announced Andrew Liveris and Paul Henderson would co-chair the commission.
Former Dow Chemical Chairman and CEO, Andrew Liveris, and former Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, have been appointed as co-chairs.
"Recognising the importance of Central Australia to the Territory's recovery, the Member for Braitling, Dale Wakefield, will be appointed the Minister for Central Australian Reconstruction," Mr Gunner said.
"Central Australia has been hard-hit by the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis, and its heavy reliance on tourism means the region is critical to the Territory's economic recovery.
"Minister Wakefield will be tasked with ensuring the Territory's roadmap to recovery delivers jobs and investment for Central Australia.
"Minister Wakefield will work directly with the Chief Minister and with the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission to ensure Alice Springs and the Red Centre has its voices heard."
Mr Gunner last week launched guidelines for the Territory's recovery from the pandemic called Operation Rebound.
The report has been developed to help guide the new commission.
The commission is to be - Martin Parkinson, former Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Department of Treasury; Romilly Madew, CEO of Infrastructure Australia; Gail Kelly, corporate leader, board director and former CEO of Westpac; Eytan Lenko, technology entrepreneur and CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions; Professor Mick Dodson, NT Treaty Commissioner; Paul Henderson, former Chief Minister; Gary Higgins, former Leader of the Opposition and retiring Member for Daly.
The Commission will be responsible for providing advice to the Chief Minister and Cabinet on accelerating the Territory's economic rebound and positioning the Territory for growth, including:
- (a) creating jobs in the near term
- (b) options to attract investment, including in regions and remote communities
- (c) priorities for regulatory reform and streamlining approvals to support industry and investment
- (d) how to build on the Territory's competitive advantage and strategic location
- (e) engagement with the Australian Government, investors and trade partners.
The Commission will investigate and advise on the range of factors that could be addressed to ensure a rapid recovery takes place such as government policy reform, priority infrastructure, access to land, regulatory approvals and the availability of finance.
Team Territory will be established as a key reference group of trusted experts that understand the criticality of Operation Rebound and who understand the unique Northern Territory context.
The commission has been asked to provide an interim report by late-July, and a final report in November.
To support the work of the Commission, the Government is also establishing Team Territory.
Team Territory will comprise several business, industry and community leaders in the Northern Territory. It will be chaired by Clare Martin and Dick Guit.
On being appointed to the commission, Dale Wakefield said: "I am honoured to take on the role of Minister for Central Australian Reconstruction. From day one of being elected, I have fought for a better future for all Centralians and our community.
"I will continue to stand up for Central Australia, no matter the challenge. The reconstruction effort is about creating jobs, bringing back flights, creating investment opportunities and leading Central Australia into a new economic era with existing and new opportunities."
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