NT planning performance jumps from sixth to third nationally in the Business Council of Australia’s Regulation Rumble 2026 report.
NT also records Australia’s fastest average assessment times for major development applications over $30 million.
Results reinforce the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s commitment to cutting red tape, backing business and rebuilding the economy.
The Northern Territory is leading the country in assessing major project applications worth more than $30m as the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s war on red tape fast-tracks major investments and creates jobs and wealth for Territorians.
The latest Business Council of Australia Regulation Rumble here, which ranks the states and territories in the areas of cost and regulation and planning systems, saw the Territory leap three places for the performance of its planning systems – ranked third in Australia in 2026.
The report said the improved performance was driven by faster development application assessment times, aided by a standardised Territory-wide planning scheme.
The BCA Regulation Rumble also found other positives for investment in the Territory in 2026, including:
The NT still has Australia’s highest payroll tax-free threshold at $2.5m.Faster development application assessment times drove the three-place improvement in the Territory’s planning ranking, particularly for standard applications.No land tax in the Territory.No restrictions of regular or public holiday trading hours.
Standard development application assessment times also improved by 19 per cent, reinforcing the Territory’s competitive position for investment and development.
The NT also recorded the second-fastest standard development application assessment times nationally, with the report recognising its standardised planning scheme and prescribed building approval timeframes as competitive strengths.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said the results were fantastic news for the Territory.
“These results send another clear message that the Northern Territory is open for business,” Minister Yan said.
“We are seeing momentum across Central Australia, with construction underway on Arafura’s $1.6 billion Nolans Rare Earths Project, KGL Resources reaching its final investment decision on Jervois Copper, and renewed gold mining activity around Tennant Creek, including White Devil.
“We are cutting red tape, backing industry and making it easier to get major projects moving.
“With Australia’s highest payroll tax-free threshold, no land tax and a growing pipeline of major projects, the Territory has strong foundations for economic growth.”
Minister Yan said the Territory’s multi-billion-dollar mining pipeline would support thousands of jobs and create opportunities for Territory businesses.
“We know there is always more work to do, particularly in strengthening planning certainty, as we work to make the Territory the best place to live, work, invest and do business.”
