· Chief Minister vows Territory First approach at National Cabinet tomorrow.
· Energy policy and firearms buyback among topics to be discussed.
· Chief Minister declares the Territory has everything Australia needs to succeed.
This afternoon Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro departed for National Cabinet in Sydney tomorrow.
This is the second face to face only meeting of National Cabinet this year following February’s successful meeting where an additional $1bn was secured for the Territory’s health and hospital system.
The Commonwealth has publicly indicated topics that they are seeking to engage States and Territories on, including energy policy, data centres and firearms buybacks.
“I always take a Territory first approach to National Cabinet,” the Chief Minister said.
“Our position on Canberra’s gun buyback has been clear from the start – we are not spending a single cent on it and we will continue to back law-abiding gun owners.
“We reject Federal Government attempts to override the Territory’s ability to make its own decisions on energy and investment.
“Territorians hate nothing more than being dictated to by Canberra.
“Gas from the Beetaloo Basin will be powering Territory homes and businesses in just seven days. It can fulfil all of the Territory’s energy needs, solve the East Coast energy crisis, and be a reliable source for our allies and regional partners.
“What is good for the Territory, is good for the nation,” the Chief Minister said.
“When it comes to fighting for the Territory and Territorians, I will not take a backwards step.”
The Chief Minister will return to Darwin tomorrow night ahead of Thursday’s parliamentary sittings.
