More Territorians are in jobs than ever before, now exceeding 150,000.
Territory jobs growth outstrips the rest of Australia.
Chief Minister says Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue to support business to create jobs and prosperity in the Territory.
More Territorians are in jobs than ever before as the Territory’s employment growth rate almost triples the Australian average – outstripping every State and Territory over the past 12 months.
According to the latest ABS statistics, the number of people employed in the Territory is at its highest level on record, now at more than 150,000.
Employment has grown in the Territory at 3.3% a year, nearly three times the national rate of jobs growth (1.3%) for the 12 months to May 2026.
This is the highest annual jobs growth rate of any State or Territory.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said: “This is fantastic news on the eve of Territory Day, reinforcing the fact that when the Territory embraces opportunity and unleashes our potential, we are a nation leader, we set the tone.
“More people in jobs is simply great news. We are rebuilding the economy, we are reducing crime and we are restoring the Territory lifestyle. One doesn’t happen without the others.
“The Finocchiaro CLP Government will continue to support business to create jobs and prosperity in the Territory.”
According to the ABS labour force trend data report for May 2026, employment in the Territory grew by 0.7% in the month of May to 150,136 people – the biggest number of workers ever recorded in the NT.
Treasurer Bill Yan said more businesses than ever were looking for staff, more investment was coming through the door and more confidence was returning to the Territory economy.
“The numbers back it up. For the first time in our history, more than 150,000 people are in jobs in the Northern Territory. That’s the highest number of Territorians ever in work,” Mr Yan said.
“We all know that is a good thing for the people in those jobs, for their families and for the Territory as we restore our legendary lifestyle under the Finocchiaro CLP Government.
“Spread the word, if you want a good job and career and a great lifestyle, the Territory has plenty of jobs waiting for you to apply.”
The Chief Minister said her Government was also helping more Territorians get into their own homes to accommodate the growing workforce.
“The HomeGrown Territory grant offers $50,000 for first home buyers building or buying a new home. It is also available to owner-builders and for off-the-plan purchases,” she said.
“And the FreshStart new home grant offers $30,000 to purchase a new home or to build a new home to live in if you are not a first home owner. It is also available to owner-builders and for off-the-plan purchases.”
The Chief Minister said the May 2026 labour force result showed that her Government had the right settings in place to encourage investment, grow jobs, and rebuild the Territory economy.
“Business and industry need certainty and consistency – we are providing the policy settings to encourage investment and create new job opportunities,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“It shows our government is creating the right conditions for businesses to invest, expand and create jobs across the Territory.”
Data shows that the value of Territory engineering construction work commenced increased by 18.0% to $347 million in the year-ended March quarter 2026.
“By getting the investment policy settings rights in the Territory, we are creating opportunities for businesses to expand and for Territorians and Australians everywhere to get good jobs here in the NT,” the Chief Minister said.
“This sustained demand for workers reflects solid economic activity and investment across industries.
“When we came to government, we committed to reducing crime, rebuilding the economy, and restoring the Territory lifestyle. These record employment numbers are proof that our plan is working, with more opportunities for Territorians, stronger communities, and a growing economy.”
She said the great economic story of the Territory would only continue to grow with Beetaloo gas coming online soon, the financial commitment to the Arafura rare earth metals mine with a $25bn boost to the Territory economy and the ongoing development of the Northern Marine Complex.
