Parlia me nt House GPO Box 3146 Sta te Square Darwin NT080 1 Darwin NT 0800 Facsimile: 08 8936 5576

Ms Bonnie Allan Committee Secretariat Department of the Senate PO Box 6100 CANBERRA ACT 2500

Via email: [email protected]

Dear Ms Allan

Thank you for the opportunity to provide a written submission to the Senate Select Committee on Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas. Please find attached the Northern Territory Government's Submission to the Inquiry.

My Government believes that, no matter where they live, Territorians need to be able to participate in the workforce.

My Government is committed to working in partnership with public, private and not-for-profit sectors including Aboriginal landowners to identify and drive initiatives that will secure private investment and create local jobs in industries right across the Northern Territory.

Despite the many challenges, Territory based industries have proven remarkably successful when they take advantage of the Territory's natural resources and comparative advantages. As a region , the Northern Territory benefits from its diversified economy, but individual communities remain vulnerable to the vagaries of specific industry sectors.

Sustained Commonwealth Government commitment to the development of Northern Australia remains the most important contribution it can make to secure the jobs of the future, both for the Northern Territory and the whole of Australia.

I look forward to reading the Select Committees final report.

Your~ sincer,~ly

MIC_~AEL t;u NNE R 1 3 SEP 2019 ••• NORTHERN . ~ . TERRITORY • • GOVERNMENT NORTHERN TERRITORY RESPONSE TO INQUIRY INTO JOBS FOR THE FUTURE IN REGIONAL AREAS

Introduction

On 31 July 2019, the Senate established a Select Committee on Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas, to inquire and report on new industries and employment opportunities that could be created in the regions.

Background and Context

The Northern Territory stretches over nearly 1.5 million square kilometres with a relatively small population that is asymmetrically dispersed across this land area. All Territorians are geographically isolated from the rest of Australia. These characteristics play important roles in shaping the Territory's economy and labour market. From the national perspective of the current Inquiry, all of the Northern Territory including Darwin can be reasonably defined as a single regional economy. Although Territorians makeup only 1 % of Australia's population, the Northern Territory economy generates 1.5% ($26.2 billion) of Australia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Three quarters of the Territory's overall population of 245 8541 reside in the five largest regional centres; Greater Darwin (Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield Shire), Alice Springs, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek. These cities and towns serve as supply and service centres for their surrounding regions; with each sub-region having a number of smaller, more remotely located communities. With the majority of Territorians living in the greater Darwin region (estimated population 148 5642), and Alice Springs (estimated population 39 3883), this leaves the remaining population thinly spread across the Territory's large land mass.

A key feature of the Northern Territory is the proportion of the population who identify as Aboriginal. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Territory's Aboriginal population was 74 546 as at 30 June 2016, making Aboriginal Territorians 30.3% of the overall population4.

Approximately 48% of the Northern Territory's land mass and 80% of its coastline is classified as Aboriginal land under the Commonwealth Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. In addition, Australian common law recognises that Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders can and do hold legally recognisable and enforceable Native Title rights in relation to land and water.

The Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 authorises Federal Court determination of Native Title claims over pastoral leases and in towns. These are the areas that were not claimable under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. The prevalence of pastoral leases over large areas of the Territory also plays a part in determining the processes which need to be complied with to facilitate what economic activities can be undertaken in much of the Territory. Further, more than 4.6 million hectares of the Northern Territory is included in Territory national parks and conservation areas.

1 Department of Treasury and Finance; ABS, Australian Demographic Statistics, Cat. No. 3101.0 2 Department of Treasury and Finance; ABS, Regional Population Growth, Australia, Cat. No. 3218.0. 3 Ibid. 4 Department of Treasury and Finance; ABS, Australian Demographic Statistics, Australia, Cat. No. 3101.0 1 The interplay of the Territory's large land mass and distinctive population dispersion pattern strongly influences how the Territory's economy operates and is a key driver of business innovation. Historically, the Northern Territory's economy has been cyclical in nature, with surges in economic growth often linked to the construction phases of major projects. This has led to economic and population volatility, especially when major projects transition from the initial investment and construction phases into operational facilities. Short-term population surges associated with major project construction are prone to be followed by periods of low or even negative economic and population growth.

The Northern Territory Government's (NT Government) Economic Development Framework (EDF)5 was developed to provide certainty to business and industry and ensure Territorians have access to sustainable employment and lifestyle opportunities into the future. The NT Government recognises that development is a partnership between the public, private and not-for-profit sectors including Aboriginal landowners. Whilst the NT Government supports economic development through its investment in infrastructure, people and relationships, it is private sector investment, not government investment, which grows the businesses and industries that provide jobs and generate wealth.

Tourism is a more significant contributor to employment in the Territory than in any other state or Territory, with the exception of Tasmania. One in eight jobs Territory wide rely on the tourism industry, and this is significantly higher in some regional areas such as in Yulara and surrounds. As an economy, the Territory is also highly reliant on the performance of tourism in regional areas, particularly Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta national parks, with visitors to Uluru delivering around half a billion dollars in holiday spending in the Territory in 2018.

Many Territory towns have been heavily dependent on a single major industry; most commonly mining, but also tourism or agriculture. Over-reliance on a single industry makes such regional communities vulnerable to the economic shocks that come from industry adjustment because they lack the resilience that comes from a diversified economic base. Nevertheless, whenever Territory towns and communities have experienced major transitions following changes in their key industry sector, they have shown themselves to be remarkably robust.

A good example of this resilience was demonstrated in 2014, when production was curtailed at Rio Tinto's Gove alumina refinery, creating a major crisis for the remote township of Nhulunbuy. Through collaboration between the NT Government, Rio Tinto, local business people and the Traditional Owners, a plan was established to revive the town. Over the intervening years a stronger, more diversified and sustainable economy has emerged and Nhulunbuy's population has now fully rebounded (refer to case study at Box 1, Appendix A).

More recently, a new industry adjustment challenge has materialised in the township of Jabiru. The NT Government is now working with a range of stakeholders including the Commonwealth Government and the Traditional Owners of Kakadu to prepare Jabiru for its transition away from mining once the Ranger uranium mine ceases processing stockpiled ore in 2021.

The $200 million Darwin City Deal is a joint initiative between the Commonwealth Government, the NT Government and the City of Darwin to deliver a 10-year plan for the Darwin City Centre that sets a long-term vision for the future to address Darwin's unique regional challenges.

5 https://cmsexterna I. nt.gov .au/ data/assets/pdf file/0008/ 434546/eco nom ic-development-fra mework. pdf 2 The NT Government will continue to invest in each of the Territory's towns and communities, both large and small. Government investment in Katherine, three hours south of Darwin, is contributing to the creation of an inland port that improves the logistical efficiency of the connections between the Territory's agricultural and pastoral zones and their national and international markets. Tennant Creek, in the Barkly region, is the Territory's gateway to mining and mineral services, with 17 mining projects currently being considered, potentially delivering AUD$6.15 billion worth of capital expenditure to the Territory's economy.

Each project and industry in the Northern Territory creates ongoing demand for skilled workers capable of applying the latest technologies. Access to a skilled workforce is a critical factor for all Territory businesses, but especially so for those competitively delivering the goods and services that are in demand from our growing international markets.

The following comments address the Terms of Reference Jobs for the Future in Regional Areas Inquiry. a. New industries and employment opportunities that can be created in the regions

The Northern Territory is part of Northern Australia, which has unique economic development opportunities and challenges. The degree to which the Northern Territory, and more broadly Northern Australia, can fulfil its economic potential and develop new industries and employment opportunities is dependent on our ability to secure the enabling infrastructure required to attract new investment.

Attracting private sector investment should be recognised as critical to creating new industry and employment opportunities in the Territory, and wider regional Northern Australia. Fundamentally, increased investment and infrastructure (including digital infrastructure) will generate additional economic activity and jobs, which in turn generate increased population growth, business, and industry development opportunities. Business investment combined with consumer spending are the critical driving forces needed to sustain the Territory's economy.

The Northern Territory needs a larger population in order to build stronger, more confident businesses capable of increasing their investment in the Territory's economy. If sufficient momentum can be gained, an economic cycle of strong, economic growth, continued industry diversification and infrastructure investment will inevitably emerge.

A number of significant Northern Territory industries enjoy long-term success because they operate business models that leverage the Territory's natural comparative advantages. These include iconic Territory industries such as tourism, beef, pearling and mining. The NT Government anticipates that new industries yet to emerge will also be based on identifying and leveraging one or more of these comparative advantages. A promising tangible example of this comes from Equatorial Launch Australia's project to establish Australia's first commercial spaceport in north-east Arnhem Land.

The Northern Territory has a strong comparative advantage for industries with products and services that are in high demand in south-east and eastern Asia. There are opportunities to expand existing industries such as tourism, cultural and creative industries, energy and minerals, agribusiness and international education and training. There are also industries operating in the Northern Territory whose success might be considered surprising given the natural resource basis for many of the Territory's comparative advantages. For example, in recent years, due to the Territory's accommodating tax and regulatory environment, the Territory's online-gaming industry has come to dominate this form of gambling in Australia.

3 Darwin's proximity to south-east Asia provides it with a comparative advantage that can attract further private sector investment to the city. Lying on the shortest path for new fiber-optic cable links between south east Australia and the big cities of south-east Asia, makes Darwin a feasible place for data centre operators to invest. Reliable low latency telecommunications service links between Australia and the rest of the world will potentially create for Darwin a real opportunity to develop into a centre for internet service industries.

A common thread for every successful Territory industry has been its commitment to continually improve its efficiency by adopting improved technological solutions as they become available. This increasing technological sophistication is a key to sustaining their international competitiveness. An excellent example of this comes from the Territory's crocodile farming industry which is the largest in Australia. Northern Territory crocodile farms are the dominant source of crocodile skin supply worldwide. This dominance comes from having access to the highly sought after native species, Crocody/us Porosus, and leading edge farming techniques that consistently deliver excellent quality skins to leading fashion houses.

The Australian Defence Force's (ADF) significant presence in the Northern Territory includes major air force, navy and army bases as well as a number of large dedicated training areas. In addition, the United States maintains an ongoing presence via its regular rotation of 2500 Marines through Robertson Barracks. Taken together these military arrangements have supported the development of a growing Northern Territory-based defence support industry. Numerous Northern Territory construction firms are experienced second and third tier defence contractors. This presents the ADF with opportunities to achieve whole-of-life cost savings and to gain the long-term advantage of accessing locally-based, capable suppliers and sub-contractors.

Territory-based businesses have proven experience in delivering on defence construction projects. The Northern Territory's construction industry, including majority owned Aboriginal businesses, is experienced in delivering construction projects in regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory.

Additional industry sectors with smaller but significant opportunities for future development and employment growth include tropical health and research, creative industries, renewable energy, environmental services, and human services.

Appendix B provides a sample of the job opportunities currently available in the Northern Territory or that are anticipated to emerge in the foreseeable future. The list showcases both the breadth of job opportunities available in the Northern Territory and the critical importance skills play in the Northern Territory job market.

Ideally, the Territory's future workforce growth will be met through the training and up-skilling of Northern Territory residents. However current industry experience suggest specific skilled workforce shortages persist. This is despite the NT Government's ongoing investment in training and delivery of a range of national workforce attraction programs and NT industry and Government activities focused on attracting interstate and foreign workers.

The NT Government's Population Growth Strategy 2018-28 aims to support industry growth, by attracting, developing and retaining skilled workers. The Territory's 2018-19 Budget included a range of new initiatives designed to encourage every business operating in the Territory to preferentially employ people who live here, rather than to retain fly-in, fly-out and drive in, drive-out (FIFO/DIDO) workforce arrangements.

4 The Territory consistently reports the highest labour force participation rate of any jurisdiction in Australia. As a result, there is little capacity to provide extra workers from within the Territory labour market when major projects commence. At these times, competition for skilled labour adversely impacts existing Territory businesses through the loss of staff to the better paying construction jobs that are often available with major project contractors. In response to this situation, top tier contractors seeking labour for major projects can be forced to rely on short-term interstate migration or employ a FIFO/DIDO workforce.

Aboriginal under-employment continues to be an issue for the Northern Territory. Based on data from the 2016 Census, the Northern Territory had the highest Aboriginal unemployment rate of all jurisdictions (20 .1%), with the national unemployment rate for Aboriginal Australian's at 18.2%. The labour force participation rate for Northern Territory Aboriginal residents was also the lowest of all jurisdictions at 37.3%, against the national average for Aboriginal residents of 51.9%.

The roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has created new employment opportunities from the delivery of human services across the Northern Territory. There is an opportunity for more locally based businesses to become involved, and for more skilled local people to take up these employment opportunities. The same case applies to public service roles such as teachers, police officers, nurses, child and aged care workers and youth workers, especially in the remote areas of the Territory.

Since 2011, the NT Government has developed job profiles on 28 remote towns across the Northern Territory. These profiles are based on data from the Northern Territory Remote Town Jobs Survey, which is undertaken every three years. The profiles provide information transparently to government, industry, businesses and contractors about employment opportunities and business capabilities in the towns and are also expected to be used in service planning and delivery or as a workforce-planning tool. b. Existing jobs in regional areas in clean energy technology and ecological service and their future significance

In the Northern Territory, future demand drivers for the environmental services sector will largely depend on the resource industry and major project developments as well as the broader economic climate. The majority of opportunities are expected to emerge from the development of an onshore gas industry in addition to th e existing mining and agricultural industries. Other demand drivers include the Commonwealth Government's Climate Solutions Fund, national park management, rehabilitation of mines and carbon offsets projects.

Across the Northern Territory, there are 15 or more environmental consultancy businesses operating, 46 Aboriginal ranger groups who together employ over 1 OOO rangers and 28 waste management businesses that provide 633 full time equivalent jobs. In the Northern Territory context, these are significant numbers. The jobs vary and include: • Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal rangers • Environmental consultants and scientists • Natural resource managers • Waste management personnel; and • Researchers.

5 In addition, a number of clean energy projects are currently underway in the Northern Territory. The Solar Energy Transformation Program (SETuP) has rolled out 10 megawatts (MW) of solar generation benefitting 25 remote Aboriginal communities across the Territory. While the extent to which this program has led to long-term job creation in communities is unclear, community based Essential Services Officers are often Aboriginal residents from these communities.

The soon to be completed 25MW Katherine Solar Farm has already provided 55 new jobs in Katherine, with an estimated 38 of those going to Katherine local residents. c. Lessons learned from structural adjustments in automotive, manufacturing and forestry industries and energy privatisation and their impact on labour markets and local economies.

The key lesson learned has been that it is very difficult for individual communities to respond effectively to major economic upheavals. Issues associated with supply chain costs (a function of the Territory's relative isolation), land access complications and the aforementioned labour market characteristics impact on the response options available to Territory communities when major industry adjustment events occur.

The NT Government's experience of structural adjustment by major industries has been that it plays the critical leadership role in negotiating meaningful community adjustment packages with both the restructuring industry and the Commonwealth Government. Regional adjustment packages allow local businesses to review their business models and to restructure wherever possible so that they continue operations in the post-adjustment environment.

The detailed case study in Box 1 (Appendix A) explores the Nhulunbuy example further. d. The importance of long-term planning to support the diversification of supply chain industries and local economies

Long term planning helps ensure all levels of government, industry and the community share a common view on what the drivers of economic growth and prosperity are for the Northern Territory. The NT Government understands that growth of private investment is critical to securing the future growth of the Territory's job market.

To encourage private sector investment, the NT Government undertakes well-planned and strategically timed infrastructure projects. These Government led projects help Territory businesses weather the slowdowns that arise through each economic cycle and they play an important role in sustaining the diversity of jobs in the Northern Territory. Long-term planning ensures government projects support the delivery of improved services and help attract and retain the Territory's population, which in turn helps sustain economic activity, improve social outcomes and enhance the lifestyle of all Territorians.

Historically, the Territory's economic development has been constrained by infrastructure gaps. These infrastructure gaps impact the cost of development for both the private and public sectors and impose a range of constraints on the movement of Territory produce to markets. This can result in projects that would be profitable elsewhere being rendered uneconomic by access and cost constraints. Despite the quality and quantity of the resource deposits found in the Northern Territory, a number of potential mines in remote parts of the Territory have struggled to secure sufficient investor support to move to the mine development stage. Similarly, difficulties with transporting cattle and buffalo from West Daly/Wadeye and East Arnhem Land are known constraints on the economic development potential of these Territory regions.

6 In the regions, a lack of reliable and reasonably priced telecommunications hampers the development of the tourism industry compared to capital cities, where suppliers have been rapid adopters of new technologies that deliver marketing, distribution, visitor safety and post-visit advocacy benefits.

The NT Government recently rolled out its whole-of-government Digital Strategy to accelerate digital transformation, and is co-investing $14 million over four years to deliver $28 million of infrastructure to connect our remote communities. It has also committed $8.5 million to upgrading the connection to the Tiwi Islands by installing an undersea optic fibre connection to Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island. This optic fibre link will provide future-proof infrastructure with the capacity to deliver new services and improve existing access.

Despite investments through the Mobile Black Spot program, vast areas of the Northern Territory, including large segments of National Highway 1 in the Territory remain without mobile phone coverage. The Commonwealth Government can assist through prioritising investments along road corridors, at key tourism sites and for remote communities.

Enabling infrastructure and achieving economies of scale will provide opportunities to diversify the Territory's industry base. Greater investment in telecommunication upgrades to support industry development is required. In addition, improvements to road, land and sea transport infrastructure and supply chains are needed to reduce transport costs, increase industry viability and profitability.

The NT Government manages and maintains more than 22,000km of highways, arterial and local roads (70% of which is unsealed) which are critical to economic activity and employment throughout the Territory. Over an extended period of time, the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments have worked to increase safety and accessibility through programs such as Beef Roads and Roads of Strategic Importance. These programs deliver employment opportunities while improving the lives of regional Territorians. In its 2019-20 budget the NT Government committed $564 million to delivering road and transport improvements across the Territory.

Commitments by the Commonwealth Government in this area offer significant opportunities to remote areas of the Northern Territory to overcome the constraints limiting their productivity potential. Extending and improving the Territory's road network will increase the cost efficiency of the Territory's mining industry, will expand the amount of land that can be profitably developed by agribusiness and will lower logistics costs for all businesses operating across remote Australia.

The NT Government strongly encourages the Commonwealth Government to review its traditional approach to funding assessments for transport infrastructure projects. Lower volumes on remote and regional roads, combined with higher construction costs, create a challenging set of circumstances for remote and regional based projects to achieve a positive benefit cost ratio (BCR). Currently, the National Guidelines for Transport System Management acknowledge this problem, and identify alternative tools in the project appraisal process, which allow the decision maker to consider non-monetised benefits (such as equity, social inclusiveness, sustainability and biodiversity and convenience). However, these have no impact on the final BCR because these benefits have not been monetised.

7 The Commonwealth Government has the capacity to assist in sustaining the job markets of the regions by using the levers available to it. These include: • encouraging migrants to settle in regional areas; • expanding remote area tax concessions and payments (zone tax rebate, remote area allowance, fringe benefits tax, remote area concessions); • imposing a moratorium on Commonwealth agencies downsizing or closing Commonwealth Government facilities in regional centres; and • decentralising Commonwealth departments and agencies into regional areas.

Additionally, the Commonwealth Government can support regional population growth by enhancing salary-sacrificing options for those in regional and remote areas in a manner similar to the Public Benevolent Institution status that supports hospital-based employees and the human services sector, for example, a broader range of items that can be salary sacrificed (e.g. entertainment, accommodation). Additionally greater tax concessions to offset the costs incurred by residents that obtain qualifications relevant to their work in regional and remote areas (specifically for occupations recognised as being in shortage) will help reduce staff turnover across a range of industries. The Commonwealth should consider tax concessions or rebates for personal relocation expenses incurred when moving to regional and remote areas and/or the waiving or reduction of HELP debt for those working in remote regions experiencing high demand for labour. e. Measures to guide the transition into new industries and employment, including: i. Community infrastructure to attract investment and job creation

For several years, the NT Government has been developing and releasing pre-competitive data and information for regionally prospective industries - this includes geological information, information on landform characteristics, groundwater resources, baseline maritime data, tourism market analysis and visitation data. The NT Government's four year (2018-2022) Resourcing the Territory initiative includes a range of strategies designed to underpin the long-term sustainability of the Territory's resources sector. This $26 million initiative provides pre-competitive geoscience and includes investment attraction and exploration stimulus programs aimed at increasing exploration activity and success rates, as well as opening up new areas of the Territory for exploration.

The challenge for the Northern Territory is to develop and retain local work forces with the skills necessary to successfully compete for infrastructure construction and maintenance contracts as and when they become available. A key strategy adopted by the current NT Government has been the introduction of the Territory Benefit Policy. This policy encourages private sector and government project proponents early in their planning phase to understand the capabilities of regional industries and workforces, and to the greatest extent possible, adopt strategies that enhance the level of local benefits generated by their project. Consistent application of this policy should create long-term advantages for locally-based, capable suppliers and labour. Developing and implementing a Territory benefit plan provides project proponents with a clear pathway for earning and maintaining a social license with the local community.

8 Although the Territory Benefit Policy can be adopted voluntarily by any project or business, the NT Government specifically applies it to the following project categories: • private sector projects awarded Northern Territory major project status under the Northern Territory major project status policy framework; • private sector projects receiving support (financial or in-kind) from the NT Government valued at or greater than $500 OOO; and • projects where a Territory benefit plan is specified as a condition of a NT Government agreement.

The NT Government prioritises support for local work forces across all its capital works programs including its investment in regional and remote housing. In particular, the NT Government's investment of $1.1 billion from 2016-2017 to 2026-2027 delivered through its Remote Housing Investment Package is improving Aboriginal housing in 73 remote communities.

This housing investment in remote Aboriginal communities focuses on: • reducing overcrowding and improving living conditions; • local decision making and engagement with communities; • developing Aboriginal Business Enterprises; • sustainable local employment; and • economic development.

On 30 March 2019, the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments signed the National Partnership for Remote Housing NT, securing $550 million in Commonwealth Government funding from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2023. The Remote Housing Investment Package is supplemented by $426 million for the development of serviced housing lots and the essential services infrastructure needed by new housing. The creation of new subdivisions requires extensive civil headworks to build the required electrical, water and sewerage infrastructure.

It is possible to reduce the incidence of FIFO/DIDO workers by growing the capacity of local Aboriginal community workers. Using strategies such as the NT Government's Remote Contract Framework and targeting work allocated through Property and Tenancy Management contracts and other aggregated contracts creates Aboriginal employment opportunities and strengthens local economies. ii. The need for a public authority to manage the transition

In general, the NT Government believes locally based mechanisms are best placed to address the disruption that comes from industry adjustment transitions. Local and/or regionally based entities are best equipped to identify and work through the challenges created by such events. For instance, as bauxite mining is expected to cease in 2030, the Gove Peninsula Reference Group has been established to guide the regional transition of 6 the Gove Peninsula over the coming 10 years . With representation from local business, Traditional Owners and all tiers of government this group is using the most up to date and locally relevant information available to ensure planning is tailored to local conditions and has local support. Key to the success of the Gove Peninsula Futures Reference Group has been:

6 https:// d cm. nt.gov .a u/n ews/2019 /state me nt-on-th e-futu re-of-the-gave-peninsula 9 • Strong engagement with Traditional Owners and regional communities to understand aspirations and objectives to embed in broader transition works - land tenure, town governance, essential services transition . • Ongoing engagement with business and residential investors (both existing and new) to maintaining investor confidence. • Providing a range of pre-competitive investor information through East Arnhem Land owner prospectus to build partnerships between external investors/businesses and Traditional Owners and communities. iii. Meaningful community consultation to guide the transition

Engagement of Aboriginal Traditional Owners is critical to securing the support of local communities. Wherever possible NT Government agencies now seek to partner with Aboriginal communities to transition government services and programs to community control. This policy, known as Local Decision Making 7, is a 10-year plan that provides a pathway for Aboriginal communities to exercise greater control over their own affairs, including requiring government services to be delivered based on a community's needs and aspirations.

Local decision making groups are different in each community and can include local authorities, housing reference groups, Aboriginal corporation boards, and traditional governance groups. Community residents advise the program's engagement team about which local decision making group should be consulted about the program.

Community groups and decision makers are supported to use their own governance systems to consult and make informed decisions. Trained Aboriginal interpreters are used during all stages of engagement. iv. The role of vocational education providers, including TAFE, in enabling reskilling and retaining

The Northern Territory Department of Education provides training programs and support for students to enhance their education , pursue employment outcomes and bring economic sustainability to the Northern Territory. In 2018-19, the Department of Education invested $125.45 million to deliver nationally accredited vocational education and training (VET) programs, senior years' educational programs and to support students to complete a Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training.

The Department of Education tailors suitable VET courses to school students in regional and remote areas through Registered Training Organisations (RTO). This is to ensure: • training efforts and funding are aligned with the real opportunities in the workforce and that these efforts contribute to addressing the skill shortages faced in the Territory; and • the community context and involvement assists young people to access employment that is tailored to their needs. For example, in the Territory Employment Pathways is a secondary education model aimed at preparing Aboriginal students from remote communities to access employment, training or further education beyond school. Each program offered is aligned with community needs and tailored to the local context to give young people the best chance at success.

7 https://ldm .nt.gov.a u/ 10 A significant impediment to the above response is that there are presently few or even no RTOs based in regional areas of the Territory. This increases costs for regional and remote project proponents seeking to employ local labour and in some cases has led to project developers employing skilled labour from outside the region or the Northern Territory.

In the Northern Territory, the jobs of the future will require transferable and diverse skills. For Territory industries to be agile in their response to technological and other forms of market disruption, they need access to reliable locally based work force skills training. VET is particularly well suited for this as it is designed by industry, nationally consistent (portable) and flexible in the delivery and design of programs. Industry and education stakeholders should work together to support a transition from the occupation-based full qualifications model to a flexible and fast-to-market skills ecosystem. Delivering this outcome will require the recognition of micro-credentialing, short-courses and skill sets aligned with the core and stackable skills required by the automation and data exchange nature of modern business operations.

For Territory businesses to compete in national and world markets, Territory workers need to be skilled in creating value through the use of technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud and cognitive computing and artificial intelligence. Territory businesses have been early adopters of data analytics, UAV (drones) and Infrastructure as a Service, with Territory based innovators having undertaken pioneering work in metal 30 printing . Drones and big data activity are being used by Territory based construction and surveying companies, while agriculture is engaging with 30 modelling for water use and yield planning.

In 2015, in a world-first, Tourism NT and Parks and Wildlife Commission NT collaborated with Google to map and record scenery at key tourism sites, allowing a 360 degree view via Google's Street View. The project subsequently expanded to incorporate a Story Sphere element, with A.o.angu Elders providing creation stories and songs to build a richer understanding of why sites around Uluru are so sacred . Strengthening the cultural elements of the Territory's tourism offering is a key opportunity identified in the NT Aboriginal Tourism Strategy, due to be released in October 2019. Further opportunities exist for remote Aboriginal communities to develop eco-tourism based products focused on 60 OOO years of culture and the natural environment.

In 2019, the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation released a Training Infrastructure Fund 8 to provide infrastructure support to private Registered Trai ning Organisations and relevant industry associations. This fund ensures they can secure contemporary training facilities and technology in order to enable additional delivery in the Northern Territory and assist the Territory to expand its share of the international student market.

The NT Government recommends the Commonwealth Government expand support for vocational training include delivery of broad non-technical skills as well as training focused on understanding and using new technologies. Broad , generic skills are key to ensuring local workforces are adaptive and able to move between industries as they move through their economic cycles. To be effective in regional and remote locations, skilling programs need to deliver training to already employed people facing a need to adapt to evolving job requirements, as distinct from students seeking a vocational outcome based qualification.

8 https ://nt.gov .a u/1earn ing/ad u lt -ed u cation-and-train i ng/for-regi stered-tra in i ng-orga n isatio ns-rtos/fu n ding-for­ futu re-ski lls-training 11 In the Territory, much of the remote community work forces suffer from low levels of language literacy and numeracy. This issue is compounded by poor on-line connectivity limiting the applicability of on-line courses. Private providers of vocational training have limited incentive to develop innovative courses that address these barriers. This places the burden of delivering training on already stretched public education providers when employment opportunities become available in these communities.

There is a need to increase regional based training and apprenticeship numbers to support the agriculture and mining sectors of the Northern Territory economy. Delivery of certificate level training would most appropriately take place in the regions where these industries operate because this will significantly improve the employment opportunities of local residents. f. The use of renewable resources in the Northern Territory to build a clean energy export industry to export into Asia;

The NT Government recognises the role of energy, including renewable energy, as a driver of economic development.

Whilst the Northern Territory has access to a range of renewable energy resources (including geothermal and tidal), solar energy is the most utilised renewable energy resource. The Northern Territory has some of the highest average solar radiation in the world, with average annual solar radiation of 22-24MJ per square meter.

The use of renewables in the Northern Territory however, is currently still relatively limited compared to other jurisdictions. This is expected to increase over the coming years with the NT Government committed to a 50% renewable energy target by 2030 for electricity supplied to Territory households and businesses, while at the same time ensuring secure and reliable electricity at least cost to consumers and taxpayers.

The Renewable Energy Expert Panel's report, 'Northern Territory Roadmap to Renewables' was publicly released on 27 November 2017, together with Government's response. 9

In October 2018, the NT Government released the first stage Renewable Energy and Electricity Market Reform Implementation Plan 2018-20 (the Implementation Plan). The Implementation Plan recognises the interdependence of the electricity market reform program (which has been in progress since 2013) with the renewable energy policy. The actions listed in the Implementation Plan will put into effect the commercial, regulatory and technical arrangements required to facilitate sustainable private sector investment in the Territory's electricity sector, including renewable energy generation to support achievement of the target at least costs.

The Northern Territory has developed strong industry experience, knowledge and capability in delivering and maintaining off-grid and remote renewable energy systems. Since commencement of the electricity industry reforms and the announcement of the Territory's renewable energy target, there has been an increase in private sector investment with three large-scale solar farm projects totalling 45MW underway. Power and Water Corporation has now completed its 10 MW remote power Solar SETuP program of upgrades to selected remote Aboriginal community power stations. These projects, in addition to the implementation of a number of local initiatives has put the Territory on a strong pathway for achieving its renewable energy target by 2030.

9 https://road maptorenewables. nt.gov.au/ 12 Darwin International Airport has the largest airside photovoltaic solar array in the world, providing up to 25% of the airport's energy needs. The 5.5MW solar project was valued at $13 million and entirely privately funded. During the middle of the day, in optimum conditions, the system meets 100% of the airport's peak energy demand. Alice Springs Airport pioneered the use of solar technologies and is almost self-sufficient in its power needs. $300 million in further airport expansions are planned, co-funded by the Commonwealth Government's Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund , including the construction of a 40MW solar farm at Darwin International Airport, a 1 OMW array at Alice Springs Airport and another at Tennant Creek. An off-site multi-user battery will also be built 80km from Darwin. These projects highlight the leadership of NT Airports in reducing its carbon footprint and adopting more sustainable energy solutions.

Recently, the NT Government awarded major project status to the Australia-Singapore Power Link project (ASPL). This project proposal calls for the development of a $20 billion, 10 gigawatt solar farm and a 20-30 gigawatt hour storage facility near Tennant Creek. This facility will supply electricity to the Darwin and Singapore markets via a high voltage direct current transmission cable. As at the time of the announcement on 20 July 2019, this is the largest solar farm under development in the world . This project has the potential to create 1OOO jobs during the construction phase and support 300 operational jobs. The project is already engaging local contractors and will seek to manufacture prefabricated solar farm technology in Darwin and Adelaide.

Conclusion

The Northern Territory has a unique blend of characteristics that strongly impact on its business environment and jobs market. These characteristics include multiple diseconomies of small scale despite its small population. The Northern Territory needs to fund the same range of services as large states, but must do so at a far higher cost per capita. The Northern Territory also faces high costs because the large and widely spread Aboriginal population uses government services much more intensely than the non-Aboriginal population.

The NT Government applies much of its resources to developing infrastructure and providing government services so that industry is able to improve its productivity. This Government investment also creates opportunities for Territorians to secure work build skills. Work experience gained from Government funded programs for building and maintaining regional and remote roads and build ing , extending and maintaining houses in remote communities are all contributing to the creation of an adaptable workforce capable of taking up the work opportunities made available in both existing and emerging industry sectors.

Despite many challenges, Territory based industries have proven remarkably successful when they take advantage of the Territory's natural resources and comparative advantages. As a region, the Territory benefits from its diversified economy but individual communities remain vulnerable to the vagaries of specific industry sectors.

Sustained Commonwealth Government commitment to the development of Northern Australia remains the most important contribution it can make to secure the jobs of the future, both for the Northern Territory and the whole of Australia

13 APPENDIX A

Box 1 Rio Tinto Alumina Refinery, Nhulunbuy

The Gove operations was established in 1968 following an agreement between Nabalco Pty Ltd and the Commonwealth Government. A significant $3 billion expansion of the Alumina Refinery via the G3 project from 2006-2010 increased the annual alumina production from 2.1 to 3.8 million tonnes and bauxite production from 6.5 to 7.8 million tonnes. This also resulted in an increased workforce of approximately 1500 FIFO and residential jobs.

On 29 November 2013, Rio Tinto announced that it would suspend production at the Gove alumina refinery due to prevailing market conditions. On 28 May 2014, all production at the Gove refinery ceased and the refinery was placed into full care and maintenance mode. Gove operations continued to ship both hydrate and bauxite until the end of 2014, and then moved exclusively to bauxite export in early 2015. In the initial stages of ramp down, around 220 people left Gove operations through redeployment or redundancy. The remaining workforce (1050 total) exited by early August 2014. Around 400 staff remained in the bauxite-only operation.

Following Rio Tinto's decision to curtail activity at the Gove refinery, the NT Government formed the Gove Taskforce of senior representatives from Rio Tinto, the Commonwealth Government, the Northern Land Council and local stakeholders. The role of the Taskforce was to provide input on, and create an appropriate reporting and review framework for initiatives and programs that address and mitigate the short-term impacts of the transition and secure the long-term economic viability and sustainability of Nhulunbuy and East Arnhem Land.

Short-term initiatives under the Gove Taskforce included community support, including the formation of a Gove Community Advisory Committee to mediate between taskforce activities and community concern. Immediate support from the Taskforce also included business support, such as the NT Government and Rio Tinto co-funded Business Growth grants. The grants funded the provision of business advisers to 76 local businesses to help them build resilience, upskill staff and improve business practices. The Taskforce also included long-term strategies - for instance, Rio Tinto, with the support of the NT Government, developing a 20-year strategy for the Nhulunbuy Township. This included the establishment of Developing East Arnhem Limited, an investment attraction and regional development not-for-profit company operating independent of its founding members, the NT Government and Rio Tinto.

A key deliverable of the Taskforce's Terms of Reference was the requirement to provide a list of recommendations for leveraging national, Territory and regional economic development capacity, including those arising from the mining, agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors, and respond to the economic, geographic and social challenges faced by Nhulunbuy and the region.

Whilst the Gove Peninsula economy underwent a major structural adjustment post the refinery curtailment, the expected severe effects have been substantially mitigated, largely due to the efforts of the NT Government, Developing East Arnhem Limited and Rio Tinto. The population has steadily rebounded to around 3000 and business and investor confidence is cautiously optimistic with some residential property sales occurring. After large scale retrenchments in 2014-15, the Gove operation now directly employs around 410 personnel and makes up 12.6 per cent of the Northern Territory's total mining output. The mine has an expected mine life of around 10-15 years.

Nhulunbuy is well positioned to remain a commercial and service hub for the East Arn hem region. The existence of high value economic infrastructure such as the Gove Port and Gove Airport, as well as being a residential and commercial base for many businesses servicing the region are a comparative advantage in this respect. The region is prospective for minerals and energy and there is significant potential for growth in tourism, fisheries, agriculture, forestry, defence and services. However, high supply chain costs, land access and limited labour markets are challenges which must be overcome to achieve the potential of the region. Sustained effort between all three tiers of government, Rio Tinto, regional business, Traditional Owners and the broader community is needed to address these challenges and allow for scalable, diversified economic growth to mitigate the impact of eventual mine closure.

14 APPENDIX A

Key components of the planning framework include: • Establishing with Traditional Owners a clear, realistic and positive vision for the post mining economy to work towards. • Defining a clear process for the transition of infrastructure and essential services from the mine operator to new operators (such as Government); • Assessing alternative uses, risks and opportunities for mine infrastructure and disturbed land like port assets, airports, water supply, warehouses and community facilities. • Planning from the normalisation of the company operated township of Nhulunbuy including land tenure, town governance and community services. • Assessing how to effectively deal with accommodation shortages and temporary local economic growth through major remediation projects so as to not derail diverse industry growth which will outlast the mining sector.

Key lessons learnt to date: 1. It is important that all parties understand each other's roles including who are the decision makers, what resources can be dedicated and work to gain a common understanding of the long term goals and objectives (including what the points of difference are). 2. Whilst regional businesses and Nhulunbuy residents are not major decision makers, effective and coordinated communication is essential to build confidence and address concerns in appreciation that they will make their own decisions about the future and need good information to do this. 3. Engaging with the finance institutions is important to understand what settings will promote investment to support industry growth.

15 APPENDIX B unities for the Northern Territory Industry Emerging Example Current or Potential Regional Future Job Opportunities Sector Opportunity Industries project Distribution Agribusiness Sustaining the Horticulture Existing Industry Territory- Horticultural enterprises in the Northern Territory require access to a labour force that and current rate of Wide includes agronomists, farm hands, process workers, farm managers, accountants, office aquaculture agricultural administrators, freight controllers, cleaners, cooks, warehousing/logistics professionals production and (supervisors, forklift operators, mechanics and diesel fitters, quality assurance workers, diversifying the Work Health and Safety officers, IT technicians, tractor operators and truck drivers. variety if crops Speciality positions include; hydroponics specialist, irrigation technicians, fertigation grown and technicians and ripeners. aquaculture species I Hemp I No current projects but Territory- Ngurratja/Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation is preparing a new horticultural enterprise harvested renewed interest following Wide following the passage of the legislative changes. If trials lead to the establishment of a recent changes to Northern Northern Territory hemp industry, additional roles will be as above for the horticulture Territory legislation industry. Downstream processing will further expand the need for industry specific specialist roles.

Cotton I Trial plantings on Tipperary I Top End I If trials lead to the establishment of a cotton industry, additional roles will be as above for Station the horticulture industry. Downstream processing i.e. cotton ginning) will expand work opportunities to additional industry specific specialist roles.

Forestry I Gumatj/Gove peninsula Gove Harvesting of timber from land being cleared in preparation for bauxite mining provides salvage tim ber Peninsula, jobs, training and business opportunities to Aboriginal residents of Nhulunbuy and North-East surrounding communities. Timber is processed into roof trusses at a Gumatj owned timber Arnhem Land mill. The tropical savannah woodlands have further potential as a source of high value timbers.

Pearl farming Existing Industry Coast line Sustainable business providing a wide variety of jobs and supports the Northern Territory's areas of the marine services industry. This industry generates demand for skilled and specialist Northern workers. Territor Carbon Existing Industry Top End I Indigenous fire managers and their partners in Arnhem Land have successfully reinstated farming customary burning practices producing significant social, cultural , environmental and markets economic benefits for Indigenous landowners. This industry now reliably provides a range of jobs across the northern regions of the Northern Territory.

Prawn Project Sea Dragon Legune Project Sea Dragon is a $1.45 billion prawn aquaculture project that will see the farming Station, and development of up to 10,000 hectares of land for black tiger prawn production facilities. The markets two sites in project will create up to 1500 jobs in a wide variety of employment categories, including the Darwin construction, operations, engineering, mechanics and science. Region

Tourism I Redevelopment / Tourism / Development of Jabiru as a Jabiru The NT Government and Commonwealth Government have committed a combined of Jabiru regional services and $351 .7 million of funding for a number of projects in Jabiru. These include facilities for tourism hub for Kakadu education, tourism , government and medical services, as well as infrastructure upgrades. National Pa rk and the West The Jabiru business Case estimates these projects will create up to 120 new full-time jobs Arnhem Region . when operational, with additional jobs created during the construction phase. APPENDIX B

Emerging Example Current or Potential Regional Industry Future Job Opportunities Sector Opportunit Industries pro·ect Distribution Developing East Marine Based The Gove Port Tourism East Arnhem Gove is uniquely positioned with access to the Gulf of Carpentaria and East Arnhem Land . Arnhem Tourism Tourism and Precinct upgrade will This project plans to develop the tourism industry with new marine infrastructure. Industry Aboriginal presents opportunities to Development of new infrastructure will support local industries in the region including culture and develop marine based commercial fishing , forestry and logistics. This will build strong partnerships with local art tourism, though: stakeholders in the community providing both direct and indirect jobs. • Expeditionary cruise ships • Yachting • Charter boats and recreational fish ing Expansion of arts and culture tourism , through • Development of an Arnhem Arts Trail

Luxury hotel I Tourism I Construction of a new 200 Darwin Construction of the 200 room Westin started in mid-2019 and is due for completion in 2022. development room Westin hotel in (Territory As the premium hotel in Darwin, this development will attract a new market to the Territory Darwin wide benefit) including luxury and business visitors, along with additional conference delegates. Up to 500 jobs will be created during the construction phase and 150 ongoing jobs once the hotel opens.

Turbocharging Tourism $103 million (over 2017-18 I Territory wi de Key tourism infrastructure projects include the development of new swimming spots, 4WD Tourism and 2018-19) stimulation of tracks and campgrounds in Litchfield National Park, a new visitor centre at the George the Territory tourism Brown Botanic Gardens, expanded walking tracks in Nitmiluk National Park, visitor industry, including: experience improvements in Tennant Creek, a new adventure cycling track in the Red • SMART marketing Centre to reinforce Australia's heart as a global mountain biking destination, and • Infrastructure and enhancement of the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct to recognise its value as the birthplace experience of the Namatjira art movement. development • Events and festivals Industry development.

Turbo2 Tourism $62 .8 million (over 2019-20 I Territory wide The infrastructure program funded under Turbocharging Tourism continues to rollout in and 2020-21 ) investment to 2019. The projects funded under Turbo2 will work to achieve the ambitious growth targets support local communities outlined in NT's Tourism Industry Strategy 2030. grow tourism potential through: • Increased holiday visitors • Enhanced visitor experiences Improved festivals and events. APPENDIX B

Industry Emerging Example Current or Potential Regional Future Job Opportunities Sector I Opportuni Industries pro·ect Distribution Promoting the Arts and NT Wide, Promote arts trails in the NT incorporating leading galleries and museums, festivals and NT Arts Trail cultural National and events across the Territory with a focus on Aboriginal art and culture to attract more visitors, tourism, International increase economic impact and jobs Aboriginal art and culture; festivals and events

Cultural and I Developing NT I Aboriginal art • National Aboriginal Art NT Wide The NT is uniquely positioned to develop arts and cultural tourism and grow visitation to Creative Arts Trail and culture, Gallery ($50M the NT to experience authentic Aboriginal art and cultural experiences, NT arts venues, industries Visual Arts commitment) festivals and events. The Territory Arts Trail initiative supports capital upgrades to improve and Crafts; • National Indigenous arts and cultural facilities and support access, visitor and revenue growth contributing to Museums and Cultural Centre $20 M the profile, employment and income generation for NT artists, arts workers and arts and galleries; commitment cultural enterprises. Festivals and • Gallery Extensions ($10 events million each for Tennant Creek, Katheri ne and Arnhem). • $5.8 mi ll ion over three years to upgrade arts and cultural faci lities

Developing a Music; • Creative Industries NT wide The Bureau of Communications and Arts Research (BCAR) released new analysis showing Creative Industry Visual arts; Development Strategy cultural and creative activity contributed $111.7 billion to Australia 's economy in 2016-17 Strategy Screen; incorporating an or 6.4% of Australia's GDP. Cultural and creative activity relates to the arts, media and Fashion and assessment of the screen, heritage and museums, fashion , design and information technology. Development textiles economic and of the NT Creative Industries Strategy aims to address the lack of data available in the NT Architecture; employment and to inform future policy/ strategic investment based on understanding of the value and Design; contribution of the potential of the creative and cultural industries to contribute to the NT economy and Publishing; sector; and employment. The ABS Government cultural funding and participation data for the Northern Software; • options for the Territory indicates in 2016, 3507 people or (1.4 % of NT population) were employed in Museums; development of an cultural and creative industries including 379 people who identified as Indigenous. While Art Galleries ongoing Evaluation ATSI participation in cultural Opportunities to grow NT creative industries and employment Framework to assess including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants in remote communities will and monitor industry be informed by research , consultation/ and development of a strategy go designed with contributions, and industry participants. inform future strategies for growth and development APPENDIX B

Emerging Example Current or Potential Regional Industry Future Job Opportunities Sector Opportunity Industries project Distribution Cultural and Delivery of Screen • Delivery of NT Screen NT wide Strategy aims to boost the local industry, increase production, investment and maxi mising Creative Screen Industry Industry Industry Development employment and economic development opportunities industries Development Plan 2018-20 Plan • Establishment of Screen Industry Advisory Council • Increased investment • undertake baseline mapping and evaluation of industry performance Development of Music • $32 OO O investment in The Live Music Census Research into the Economic and Cultural Value of Live Music in NT Music Industry the Live Music Census the NT reported that the NT live music sector contributes Gross Value Add of $7 4.7 4 million Industry research for the NT to the NT economy with estimated $4.39 return on every $1 currently invested. • Based on the outcomes Development of the Live Music sector supports jobs in the creative industries across music of the Live Music industry, festivals and events and live music venues. Census funding of $50 OOO was provided to Music NT towards consultation and the development of a Live Music strategy Energy and Territory's Phosphate Ammaroo Project Tennant In October 2018, the Ammaroo phosphate mine was given environmental approval (with Minerals abundance in Creek conditions) by the NTEPA. This will create up to 150 operational jobs and 300 construction mineral jobs over its expected 25-year life. The project presents a number of opportunities for local resources. contractors and businesses to provide services to support the development of the mine.

Salt Chandler Salt Project Alice Springs I The Chandler salt mine has been given all relevant government approval and will begin construction in 2021 . The project will incorporate the underground salt mine with a waste/archival storage site, further extending the lifecycle of the mine. It is expected the project will provide up to 540 construction jobs and 180 operational jobs. Given the mines waste management component, there is the opportunity for the development of key logistics contracts for local suppliers. Rare Earths Nolans project Alice Springs I Arafura Resources Limited plans to mine concentrate and chemically process rare earths at the Nolans site, located 135km from Alice Springs. The project is expected to generate up to 650 construction jobs and 280 operational roles . Manganese Existing Industry Territory Wide I The Northern Territory is a world leader in production of manganese with a large mine on Groote Eylandt (GEMCO) and the Booty Creek mine north of Tennant Creek (OM Holdings Ltd)). There are currently proposals to expand the GEMCO mine in 2022 that will provide an additional 90 construction iobs and extend the current mininq operations to 20 31. APPENDIX B

Industry Emerging Example Current or Potential Regional Future Job Opportunities Sector Opportunit Industries e_roiect Distribution Energy and Territory's Gold Existing Industry Territory­ New mining techniques have allowed previously abandoned mines to re-open across the Minerals abundance in Wide NT as they become economically feasible once again. Currently 5 proposals (new and re­ mineral opening mines) are scheduled to begin construction in the next 2 years with an associated resources. 800 construction jobs and 700 operational ro les (direct and indirect). These mines are located mainly across the Top End region near Katherine, Batchelor and Darwin.

Territory's I Onshore gas I Existing Industry I Darwin Hydraulic fracturing in the Northern Territory has the potential to be a significant industry abundance of with a number of locations currently being explored by oil and gas companies. The two gas reserves and main regions for this are the Amadeus Basin (West of Alice Springs) and the Beetaloo Sub­ lifting of the basin (East of Daly Waters). Employment opportunities include environmental moratorium on management, drilling and site works, support roles, transport and logistics. hydraulic fracturing I Downstream Opportunities include: I Territory- Downstream manufacturing processes presents significant opportunities for the NT; there manufacturin • manufacturing of Wide are a number of economic challenges associated with the project, which should be g based on methane-based addressed before considering the potential employment benefits. If developed this involves natural gas products including a number of opportunities for training and specialist employment with development of methanol, ammonia facilities to receive, process and export the product. and ammonium nitrate • urea and other fertilisers that use local phosphate deposits • energy intensive industries • condensate refining • production of ethane- based petrochemicals • the emerging hydrogen industry. International Proximity and Growing the Opportunities include: Territory Wide International education continues to be one of the key growth industries in Darwin with education and connectivity to Territory's • International education students from over 70 countries including Nepal , India, Philippines and China. Currently training international international and training campuses the sector contributes over 400 jobs to the NT economy with scope to increase this further. markets, for education and • Training facilities The proposed relocation of Charles Darwin University (CDU) into the Darwin CBD provides students and training sector • English language an opportunity to re-invigorate the sector with more lecturers, tutors, support staff and transnational school service providers. delivery of courses.

Digital I The opening of Development Commercial Data Centres I Darwin Fast, short path telecommunications links to Asia and Timor-Leste open opportunities for Industry the Territory of a digital the establishment of a digital industry in Darwin. Data centres are in high demand worldwide telecommunicatio industry in the and Darwin is an ideal location to service the high volume requirements of Asia. Data ns market with Northern centres attract other digital businesses and corporate enterprise and provide an opportunity direct access to Territory. to support the growing data requirements defence. New service delivery opportunities in Asia the education and health sectors will emerge. APPENDIX B

Industry Emerging Example Current or Potential Regional Future Job Opportunities Sector Opportunity Industries project Distribution Local Space An abundance of Hosting key Opportunities include: Territory- The development of Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) is a unique opportunity for the NT Industry underdeveloped infrastructure • Ground station systems Wide to develop this industry with a number of research and construction activities required . The land and sea in and services • Launch services facility will be constructed near Nhulunbuy and involve contributions by key stakeholders in the Territory with for Australia's • Downstream space partnership with public and private organisations to deliver employment opportunities to low population space industries local residents. If this industry continues to develop as projected, this will present a number density industry of science and technology related roles in the NT. I I Defence and Taking Development I Defence Health Facilities I Darwin Construction of a new health centre at Larrakeyah Barracks and the refurbishment of the defence advantage of of defence existing health centre at Robertson Barracks is expected to support approximately support National infrastructure 170 jobs. investments into and training I Facilities works Darwin I Darwin Facilities works Darwin includes P-SA Poseidon aircraft facilities, airfield works and Defence facilities upgrade of explosive facilities. The project is expected to support approximately 1 OOO jobs. construction projects planned I Larrakeyah Barracks I Darwin Upgrades to Larrakeyah Barracks, including new outer wharf, ready use fuel facility and over the next I Norforce facilities. The project is expected to support approximately 2800 jobs. 20 years Maintenance Darwin Shi p Lift and Marine Darwin The Ship Lift Facility will enable the maintenance and servicing of Defence and Australian and servicing Industry Project Border Force vessels, along with commercial and private vessels, including from the oil, of defence gas and marine industries. It is estimated around 100 workers will be employed throughout vessels the facility's construction phase, and once operational the facility will be a catalyst for the development of a marine maintenance and servicing industry, and the creation of many new jobs.