To achieve our $40 billon economy by 2030, the Northern Territory needs to grow our workforce.
This week the Chief Minister will travel to Sydney and Canberra to take part in National Cabinet and the Jobs and Skills Summit to advocate for more migrant workers to the Territory.
The Territory economy is growing, our apprentice and trainee numbers are officially at a 10 year high – but we know more workers are needed, and they are needed now.
Some of the key issues and solutions the Chief Minister will raise at the Summit includes:
Ensuring the Territory is prioritised for migrants and increase visa quotas for the NT;Attracting and retaining graduates to remote areas through HECS-HELP debt reduction and training incentives;Address workforce blockages, such as access and affordability of housing in regional areas; andExtend incentives for employers who hire and train Indigenous employees.
The Territory Labor Government has already invested over $12.8 million to fill critical skill shortages and boost our local workforce, with measures including $2.6 million to deliver the Working Holiday Maker Campaign, $3 million Flexible Workforce Solutions fund, relaunch of the Work, Stay, Play incentives program, and $1.5 million for a global worker attraction program.
Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
“We have listened to Territory businesses, and the message is clear – business is good, the economy is growing, but we need more workers.
“I will be sure to echo those businesses at the National Jobs and Skills Summit and will continue to work with the Commonwealth Government to pull every lever we can to get more workers into the Territory.
“We need to focus on jobs and skills opportunities for Territorians including skilled migrants – and we have some great solutions to get them here”.
Northern Territory Government
