Luke Gosling
Solomon · Australian Labor Party · Australia
“Yesterday marked one year since the Albanese government's landmark $3.9 billion National Access to Justice Partnership 2025-30, the NAJP, commenced. It represented our government's largest investment in legal assistance.”
“I acknowledge and thank these local providers and the private sector practitioners supporting them for their professionalism, their expertise and their unwavering commitment.”
“The bill also modernises and clarifies the Defence health system framework by establishing a dedicated legislative basis for Defence health services, including clinical governance, health monitoring, quality assurance and improvement activities, enabling lawful, proportionate use of health data to improve health care, suicide prevention a…”
“Critically, the bill supports a more integrated approach across Defence, the Department of Veterans' Affairs and other portfolio agencies, including the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency that was launched this morning, and the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission that began last year.”
“Purposefully, we need members of this place and senators to take their responsibility to lower anxiety and to provide proper information. A division having been called in the House of Representatives— Sitting suspended from 13:03 to 13:12 We are making it so the DVA can operate better, with increased efficiency, to deliver a level of serv…”
“Our government is working at pace to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Acknowledging the national tragedy of veteran suicides, this government called for the establishment of the royal commission while we were in opposition, and we have supported the work of the royal commission since…”
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“We have expanded mental health services, with the Darwin headspace centre upgraded to a headspace Plus and with a youth specialist care centre in Darwin for young people with very complex needs. We are continuing to work with the Northern Territory government to strengthen maternity services in the Northern Territory. I call on the Northern Territory government to stipulate that the new not-for-profit provider of Darwin's private hospital includes maternal health services and maternity services in its licence. We also launched services like 1800MEDICARE, helping to keep people out of emergency departments. In addition to this, we're making prescription medication cheaper by capping PBS medicines at $25 and at just $7.70 for concession card holders. This is the least we can do to help people who are concession card holders.”
“Record hospital funding for the Northern Territory—$3.5 billion over five years from the 2026-27 financial year—has also been delivered. That's on top of the 30 per cent increase in this current financial year. We're also building the long-term health workforce, with the NT's own medical school at Charles Darwin University having opened last month. It's housed in a brand new building called Garrwa. It's also known as the Better Health Futures building. Garrwa, the Larrakia name for the building, also means 'green tree frog', and that is because of the green tree frog's significance in that area of the beautiful CDU campus in Casuarina. I'm very proud that Charles Darwin University now has its own medical program, as well as of the fantastic work that Flinders University's program continues to do, and I also acknowledge Menzies.”
“We had some fantastic major announcements in my electorate of Solomon last month, in Darwin and Palmerston, with the location of the Darwin Medicare urgent care clinic being announced and the successful tenderer for the 120- to 150-bed aged-care facility to serve Darwin and Palmerston, as well as the Top End. There are now 23 Medicare bulk-billing GP practices across Darwin and Palmerston, allowing Territorians to access free medical support when they need it, which is particularly important in these times of cost-of-living stress. Over 70 per cent of all local GP practices are now registered as Medicare bulk-billing practices. It still allows people to choose to go to non-bulk-billing practices, of course.”
“I have only mentioned some milestones, some recent announcements and some achievements that have occurred since December last year. Everything I've spoken about has occurred in only the past few months. We are moving at speed, investing real money and achieving major milestones in defence. I want to move to Medicare and health. Not only are we investing in our security, defence capability and sovereign industrial capacity but we're also investing in health and looking after Australians and Australian families. The Albanese Labor government has also delivered a once-in-a-generation change to bulk-billing, which will mean that more Territorians and more Australians can see a doctor for free—no out-of-pocket expenses.”
“We saw this at the recent launch of the Parliamentary Friends of Ukraine on 4 March, and I see it in my electorate of Solomon, with the Ukraine association of the NT. We are backing this support of Ukraine with funding, with action. We are supporting our friends in Ukraine with more than words. Australia has committed over $1.7 billion in total assistance, including $1.5 billion in military support. In December last year, the government announced a further $95 million package in military assistance for Ukraine as part of that. We help our mates in real ways and we stand against aggression. Now, I want to remind everyone that this is not an exhaustive list of all that our government, the Albanese federal Labor government, has done—far from it.”
“This is a key milestone in the government's plan to invest up to $21 billion to acquire more long-range strike systems and make long-range munitions in Australia. Regarding our support for Ukraine, in February we marked four years since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in a blatant violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter. We have seen four years of unprovoked Russian aggression against a sovereign, democratic Ukraine. Australia continues to be steadfast in its commitment to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. We commend the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people. This support is bipartisan and extends across the parliament, across party lines.”
“In the air domain, the Albanese Labor government is investing $1.4 billion in the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, turning it into a fully operational war-fighting capability for the ADF. It has now successfully engaged, and destroyed, an aerial target. This places us at the cutting edge of collaborative combat aircraft technology globally. It is Australian innovation at its best and demonstrates what Australian industry is capable of. The government is backing industry and innovation. On GWEO, we have announced that we will start making Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, or GMLRS, missiles right here in Australia—in fact, at Port Wakefield in South Australia. This type of missile will be fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, HIMARS, being delivered for Army, giving it a long-range strike capability.”
“Still in the maritime domain, in recent weeks the government has also signed two key contracts with Defence's strategic shipbuilder to build the Army's new medium and heavy landing craft, which the National Defence Strategy and the Defence Strategic Review before it had called for, in order for the Army to be optimised for littoral manoeuvre. These landing craft will be central to that optimisation. The Integrated Investment Program has $7 billion to $10 billion for littoral manoeuvre vessels out to 2033-34, and we are funding that optimisation. This will deliver the largest recapitalisation of Army's littoral capability since the Second World War. Moving to the air, there's the Ghost Bat.”
“On AUKUS long-lead items, continuing in the maritime domain, just last month the government announced a $310 million payment for the long-lead items from the UK in support of the manufacture of critical components for nuclear powered submarines, including the propulsion systems of the SSN-AUKUS. This is further evidence that we are delivering on AUKUS, and that it is making way, full steam ahead. This announcement came off the back of a $3.9 billion downpayment to deliver the new submarine construction yard at Osborne in South Australia. We're not only delivering; we're building our industrial capacity to increase our enduring and sovereign capacity to deliver.”
“These innovative surface vessels will significantly boost intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance—or ISR capabilities—in our maritime approaches. This will include—based out of my electorate in Darwin—providing situational awareness and maritime domain awareness to the north of Australia. By virtue of their being powered by solar, wind and wave energy, they will have extended operational endurance, and this demonstrates the high levels of innovation we have in Australia for harnessing those forms of energy. I was lucky enough to see a couple of these Bluebottles and meet the team behind them when the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade visited the Ocius crew in Darwin last year. It's a very innovative capability backed by a great team.”
“We are investing in Australia for the future. In these appropriation bills, there is more than $3.2 billion to implement the 2024 NDS, the National Defence Strategy, and Defence's 2024 Integrated Investment Program, the IIP, and to enable the delivery of prioritised capabilities. Let's consider some of the investments that this Labor government has made in defence capability. The Australian Ocius Bluebottle—and I just spoke with the operators and owners of that great Australian company in the Great Hall a moment ago. Earlier this month, our government announced it would be investing $176 million in a new fleet of Australian-made uncrewed vessels known as Bluebottles, from Ocius Technology. We will be getting 40 of them, making it one of the largest sovereign uncrewed surface vessel fleets in the world.”
“I rise to speak on Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2025-2026, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2025-2026 and Appropriation (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 2) 2025-2026. High-performing governments invest money efficiently and in line with their priorities. It takes hard work, careful diligence, running the numbers and then running the numbers again and again. It requires a degree of engagement with risk. It's a deliberate policy act, and I am careful to refrain from describing this as spending, because it is actually investment. It is an investment in Australia's people—their futures and Australia's future. It is an investment in sustainability, in security and in health. It is an investment in systems that work and in infrastructure that delivers value for Australians. This is what the Albanese Labor government is doing.”
“The Territory is also Australia's largest mango producer, generating $128 million in gross value of production and accounting for more than half of national production—more than four million trays annually. Melons, watermelons, rockmelons, honeydews and even pumpkins are the second largest horticultural activity in the Territory, valued at $70 million, making up around 23 per cent of the national supply. And aquaculture, driven primarily by barramundi and pearling, was valued at $77 million in financial year 2024. That's huge. Ag is so important to the Territory. Last but not least, the Territory is famous for its crocodiles, and not just for tourism; crocodile farming is a serious export industry. I want to celebrate all the primary producers in the Northern Territory and around Australia. Our federal Labor government has your back.”
“The Top End, as all honourable members know, is famous for its cattle. It was great to catch up with the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association president, Henry Burke, and their CEO, Romy Carey, in the past few days in Darwin at their annual conference. The cattle industry alone is valued at $1.2 billion, and in 2024 those ringers from the Top End exported 274,181 head of cattle from the Northern Territory through Darwin Port, up from 184,597 the year before—a big increase, and well done to all our cattlemen and cattlewomen. While the NT is known for its vast cattle stations, its agricultural story is bigger than that. In financial year 2024, the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry is contributing around $1.4 billion to the Territory economy, which is up by 10 per cent on the previous year.”
“From day one our government, the Albanese federal Labor government, has been working closely with industry, monitoring the impacts of that conflict and helping to keep our food and fibre moving across the country. We've released reserves. We're working with stakeholders to keep Australia and Australia's primary producers moving. Since coming to government we've backed Australian agriculture in very practical ways, strengthening biosecurity, boosting the ag workforce, opening new trade opportunities and supporting more sustainable and climate-resilient production. That's important, because if we get that balance right we protect the future of the sector while creating the conditions for continued and further growth. Nowhere is that more important than the place that I'm proud to represent, the Northern Territory.”
“That makes it even more impressive that ABARES, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, forecast that in the current financial year we're on track to reach that $100 billion in agricultural output, which is outstanding—four years earlier than the 2030 target. I want to give a shout-out to the National Farmers' Federation and everyone who has advocated to help our primary producers reach that target. The metres of rain, such as is falling on the Territory, is good for feed, but of course it degrades the roads over which cattle trucks, as an example, travel, necessitating repair and investment. The conflict in the Middle East is a reality. It's affecting the globe and it's creating renewed uncertainty for our producers and our regional communities.”
“Thank God there is a federal Labor government! People listening may be a bit confused, but, under those opposite, we went from six refineries down to two refineries, and most of the fuel reserves were offshore, somewhere in the United States, whereas we have ramped up fuel reserves so that we can respond in times of crisis like this, having that capacity here onshore or in our EEZ. That is important, and it is helping us manage the situation at the moment. I want to celebrate our primary producers, but right from the outset I want to acknowledge that we understand that it has been a difficult period for many farmers across the country. Australia's weather extremes—it is a place of drought and flooding plains, such as what we're seeing in the territory at the moment—mean it has often been a hard time to be on the land.”
“I also want to acknowledge the 15-year milestones to Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, to Fyfe, to KG7, to Northern Trade Solutions and to Ward Keller. The 30-year milestones were awarded to All Cast NT, DCOH—old mate—and Sunbuild. Finally, the 40-year milestones went to Nowland Builders and Sitzler, that great Territory company. It was a fantastic atmosphere in the room. I want everyone to know that our construction industry in the Northern Territory is strong and continues to deliver quality jobs and outstanding infrastructure for the Territory. Thank you to all.”
“I want to recognise our construction industry in the Northern Territory, particularly those in my electorate of Solomon, in Darwin and Palmerston. I attended the Master Builders NT Members Milestone Dinner earlier this month, where we celebrated Territory businesses with 10 years, 15 years, 30 years and even 40 years of membership with Master Builders NT—'building the Territory'. I was proud to present certificates for 10 years service building the Territory with Selena Uibo, the leader of the Territory opposition, to Asset Construction and Maintenance, to Fusion NT, to Beare Homes, to McMahon Services, to NC Electrical & Air Conditioning and to Precision Shower Screens & Wardrobes. That was for 10 years.”
“I was extremely pleased last week to attend the opening of the Turtle Back program in the other city in my electorate, Palmerston. The Turtle Back program is funded by the Albanese Labor government, with almost $2 million supporting the trial program for adolescent boys. The federal government is funding these community led programs, which will get great results. I want to thank my colleague Minister Tanya Plibersek—the member for Sydney and Minister for Social Services—for her support for that program. I also want to thank Kat Lee and her team at Grassroots Action Palmerston for their fantastic work, which absolutely will get results. Let's see some more action and a collaborative effort to end violence while we can.”
“But we also need those jurisdictions to take action, and, whilst we want to work in a bipartisan way, people must be accountable for their lack of action. One of the main commitments that I took to the 2022 election was funding from the Commonwealth to establish a youth engagement hub in the northern suburbs of my electorate in Darwin. But, with the change of government to the CLP, nothing was done until last week. After almost 18 months, they put out a media release to say that they've chosen a new location for the youth engagement hub—despite the fact that it was shovel ready to build—and they would be doing something at some point in the future. So I think that governments need to be accountable. We're approaching this in a bipartisan way.”
“The old saying that God gave us two ears and one mouth so we could do double the amount of listening as we do speaking is a good one for a very good reason. Regardless of the politics that some people on the other side still like to play with this issue, the reality is that there are complex issues at play and we need a coordinated and bipartisan focus. So I am pleased that the our ways plan was endorsed by the Commonwealth and all states and territories in late 2025. That even included the Liberal led states and territories. I look forward to working with the Northern Territory CLP government and other stakeholders to implement the plan and to deliver the plan because we all need to be working together.”
“Maybe if the previous speaker, the member for McPherson, had attended that event and talked to and listened to some of the elders there, he might have some ideas. The vision that was set out in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children is to end gender based violence in one generation. Under the national plan, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan was developed, which aimed to address the immediate needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Comprehensive consultation was undertaken—that's the listening part—with community to develop 'Our Ways—Strong Ways—Our Voices'. A driving factor in its development was that the government listened deeply and heard what is needed now: community led solutions that are flexible and grounded in best practice and local decision-making.”
“Before I get into the policy and delivery aspects, I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners here in Canberra, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, but also of the electorate that I'm honoured to represent, greater Darwin, the Larrakia people. I was privileged in February to attend the launch of 'Our Ways—Strong Ways—Our Voices', the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander plan to end family, domestic and sexual violence over the next decade. It was a wonderful event where I connected with a lot of old friends—First Nations elders, legends, both from the Territory and from around the country—but I also made some new friends. There was one thing everyone had in common, which is to end the violence. The launch was inspirational.”
“Soldier On's March On Challenge challenges people to walk or run 96 kilometres, symbolising the length of the Kokoda Track, to honour the courage and sacrifice of our veterans and their families. Here in Canberra tomorrow morning I'll be joining the March On walk around Lake Burley Griffin. A big shout-out to Soldier On NT's Rob Johnston and Mix 104.9's Daniel Hilliard and 'Lukey' Preece—good on you, mate— for making this important event happen. Thank you to everyone who walked and who volunteered and backed the walk. The event keeps growing from year to year, and so does the support behind our veterans from the Albanese Labor government.”
“The Territory, as a lot of Australians know, has been hit by floods and cyclones. I want to give a shout-out to all those that are responding and assisting Territorians in their time of need. It was particularly impressive, on Friday just gone, that more than 350 people walked 14 kilometres in torrential rain from RAAF Base Darwin to Robertson Barracks, the home of the First Brigade, for a very important reason—that is, assisting Soldier On with the work they do to support our veterans. RAAF to Robbo is organised by Soldier On and supported by our local radio station, Mix FM 104.9—tune in online! Soldier On delivers support services for current and former ADF personnel and their families.”
“I want to wish our communities across Australia all the best for Harmony Week. I'll be attending events in my electorate, as I'm sure all honourable members who want to stand against racism and promote harmony as an important role for us as local members will also do.”
“Harmony Week culminates with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March, which is a day that reminds us that racism is not abstract. It is not just historical, and it is not harmless. Racism is an evil. While this day always falls within Harmony Week, this important international day, as all honourable members know, is a day born of tragedy. On 21 March 1960, peaceful protesters in Sharpeville, South Africa, gathered to demonstrate against the apartheid government's oppressive pass laws, which restricted the movement of black South Africans. Police opened fire on the crowd, killing 69 people and injuring more than 180. That massacre at Sharpeville became one of the most defining moments of the struggle against apartheid and has become emblematic with the struggle against racism generally.”
“When any community feels unsafe, the strength of our national fabric is weakened, and connection is what we need right now both in Australia and all around the world. Moments like iftar are precious because they allow people to come together and connect over a meal, in conversation and in mutual respect. I want to give a shoutout to my good mate, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and the member for Kingsford-Smith, who attended an iftar dinner last night with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and members of the diplomatic corps. It's not rocket science to look at our own communities and the diversity within those communities but also to look at our region in the Indo-Pacific and further afield to understand that these issues are important to our neighbours and to our friends.”
“The Australian Muslim community has in recent times experienced an alarming surge in Islamophobic and anti-Muslim hate incidents that not only threaten the safety of Australian Muslims but also undermine the principles of diversity, inclusion and social cohesion. Reports from community bodies indicate a troubling rise in threats, in hate correspondence directed at mosques and Islamic centres and in incidents of verbal and physical abuse, particularly targeting visibly Muslim women. Addressing Islamophobia is not solely a matter for one community. It goes to the heart of who we are as a nation. Protecting Australians from hate motivated violence and intimidation is essential to safeguarding our democratic freedoms, our social cohesion and our national stability and security.”
“This year the anniversary coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, a period of deep spiritual and heightened communal activity for Muslims. I want to acknowledge the Islamic Society of Darwin for the Ramadan grand iftar and dinner that I attended recently and spoke at. I couldn't attend, but my staff represented me at the UMNT annual interfaith iftar dinner that was titled 'Shoulder to Shoulder: Standing with Australian Muslims, Upholding Australian Values'. I want to acknowledge some of our community leaders—I haven't got time to acknowledge more—the Islamic Council of the Northern Territory and ICNT chairman Mr Sadaruddin Chowdury, who I work with and speak with a lot; the Palmerston president Qasim Mujahid; Darwin president Michael Katab Mohammad; and the UMNT president Mr Mohammed Raziuddin.”
“As the Prime Minister has said really clearly, we've got a really heightened environment at the moment and people need to dial it down. This is why Harmony Week must be a call to action. Harmony Week does not stand alone. On 15 March, we will acknowledge the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, where we stand against discrimination in all its forms. The United Nations General Assembly, with the sponsorship of 60 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, adopted a resolution designating 15 March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This date commemorates the tragic Christchurch mosque attacks, the deadliest act of terrorism against Muslims in our region. It marks the solemn remembrance of the gravest act of terrorism against Muslims in our region.”
“My colleague the Minister for International Development, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Small Business, the Hon. Anne Aly, spoke today honouring the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Next week, from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 March, Australians will mark Harmony Week. This year Harmony Week holds a much more sombre note, coming three short months after the horrific antisemitic Bondi terror attack and two racially motivated planned attacks in Perth that were intercepted by the police. I want to give a shoutout to our police, whether they are at the state and territory level or the federal level, for the work that they do. I also acknowledge the Islamophobic incident at an iftar dinner in Ballarat last night.”
“Our government is working closely and collaboratively with the Northern Territory government to strengthen maternity services and ensure that public maternity— (Time expired)”
“I want to congratulate Rachael Shanahan, who is the new president and did an awesome job bringing that event together, and, of course, Lizzie T—Liz Trevaskis—from the ABC, who was the MC and did a fantastic job. Many Territory women approached me at this range of events—which also included a United Nations Association of Australia NT branch event, and well done to Kate Heelan and her team—concerned about the closure of maternity services at Darwin Private Hospital and the strain on maternity services at Royal Darwin Hospital. While I'm at it, I want to thank the hardworking staff at RDH. My wife, Kate, and I were blessed to have our two kids at Royal Darwin Hospital. I want to thank all the staff there, but they do deserve better than what they're getting at the moment.”
“I also went to some other events, after that, with the Tamil Society. They celebrated their incredible women, who are not only honouring their culture, from where they came, but contributing so much to our community, professionally and with their families. I did the same with the Sri Lankans. Well done to SLAFA. They also acknowledged their awesome women in that event, as did the Country Women's Association. That was a fantastic event. I want to shout-out Judy Anictomatis—the outgoing president now—Mary Pocock and Chief Judge Elizabeth Morris. Thank God the chief judge is our back-up administrator in the Northern Territory. We were raising money for TEWLS, the Top End Women's Legal Service. Well done to Sue Phoo for her presentation and also the work that they do every day helping Territory women when they need it most.”
“There's been a lot of rain in the Northern Territory. I want to give a shout-out to everyone dealing with those conditions—those that have been impacted and also those who are responding to help our fellow Territorians out in their time of need. The member for Lingiari won't be here today, because she's on the ground back in the Territory with her constituents. There has been a lot of rain for a long time, but it didn't stop Territorians coming together to celebrate Territory women. On International Women's Day last weekend, in the pouring rain, we gathered out the front of Charles Darwin University's Danala campus and we did a block of the CBD. Together we all celebrated how proud we are of women in the Territory and the important role, the vital role, that they play in community, in families, in society and in the economy at large.”
“Her unwavering commitment to securing stable and diverse funding for specialist grief and loss services is driven by her belief that Territorians deserve consistent, high-quality care during their darkest moments. I commend Taylah's work as Chair of Amber NT. As she says, no-one should have to walk the journey of grief after the loss of a child alone. Today we acknowledge Taylah for her dedication, her steadiness and the hope that she brings to so many Territory families. Well done, Taylah.”
“I want to recognise a constituent of mine, Taylah Peters, on being named the Northern Territory winner of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women's Leadership. This honour reflects not only her professional achievements but the deep compassion, strength and integrity that Taylah brings to some of the most challenging areas of social support. Her work spans domestic and family violence, advancing equality and the profound grief experienced by families who have lost a child. Through every one of the roles that she holds, she places dignity, safety and lived experience at the heart of her leadership. She ensures that women, survivors and families who have too often gone unheard are met with respect, understanding and genuine support. As Chair of Amber NT, Taylah has been a tireless advocate for holistic and culturally safe healing.”
“It supports vital economic infrastructure in the north, it strengthens regional communities in the north, it advances First Nations participation in the north, it catalyses private investment and it enhances national resilience for our whole country. A stronger north means a stronger nation. Let's extend the NAIF for another 10 years, put billions more into it and continue building the infrastructure of a secure, prosperous, strengthened and inclusive Australia.”
“The rehabilitation of the Mount Morgan site illustrates NAIF's value—a complex legacy project now supporting hundreds of jobs, delivering environmental benefits and producing critical minerals essential for a clean energy future. University expansions, airport upgrades that are desperately needed across the north and Indigenous procurement successes further reinforce how NAIF's investments shape vibrant communities, not just balance sheets. These are the human stories behind the spreadsheets—stories of regions revived, opportunities created and communities strengthened. Extending NAIF's mandate for another decade, as well as the additional $2 billion that have been put into it in recent times, is a clear-eyed investment in Australia's future.”
“Strong infrastructure—ports, roads, grids and water systems—strengthens national security, humanitarian response capability and economic sovereignty. NAIF is a vehicle that helps to deliver that infrastructure responsibly, patiently and in line with our national priorities. NAIF was established with bipartisan support and has been extended and strengthened under successive governments of both sides of the chamber. That continuity has enabled projects across Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the Indian Ocean Territories to grow with confidence. The proposed 10-year extension continues this tradition of national interest above politics.”
“That is health, education, community housing and digital backbone investments that attract people and talent to the north, not only through jobs but through helping to anchor that workforce in the north. The fifth is greater First Nations enterprise participation, involving the expansion of Indigenous engagement requirements into long-term capability and ownership opportunities. Extending the NAIF is also about national resilience. Northern Australia is a strategic region for our country, central to our relationships in the Indo-Pacific—South-East Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific countries themselves. But we are uniquely exposed to climate impacts, as are being experienced across the north right now.”
“The second is transport and logistics corridors, which means ports, intermodals, airports and roads that reduce freight costs and strengthen Australia's competitiveness. Way back when NAIF started there was an opportunity to do that with the Darwin port, using NAIF to help an Australian proponent. But I won't digress. The third is water security and climate resilience, which requires resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding cyclones, flooding and climate pressures, including modern water systems and nature-positive remediation projects. That's something very close to my heart. The fourth is social infrastructure that anchors population.”
“Earlier independent reviews found there was strong support from government, industry and regional communities for NAIF's continuation. The five-year review cycle will ensure that NAIF remains contemporary, accountable and fit for purpose. Combined with a refreshed investment mandate, these arrangements maintain the right balance between independence, oversight and strategic direction. What another decade enables is a practical agenda, providing certainty for long-term projects and ensuring strong accountability. I want to focus on five things it will enable. The first is critical minerals and clean energy precincts, with the enabling infrastructure—power, water, transport and common-user facilities—needed to support processing and value-adding in Australia.”
“We're partnering with First Nations to co-design prosperity. A longer horizon creates the space for deeper First Nations participation and long-term planning. This includes pathways for equity participation by traditional owner entities; stronger procurement and employment commitments; sustainable capability building, and capacity building for that matter; alignment between NAIF investments and local community priorities. The 10-year extension allows for long-term partnerships rather than short-term transactions. The government has introduced legislation to extend NAIF's investment period by 10 years, supported by modernised governance arrangements, including, but not limited to, joint ministerial responsibility, regular statutory reviews in 2029, then 2034 and beyond, strengthened alignment with national strategic policies.”
“This support is essential for Australia's industrial transformation and our ability to strengthen sovereign capability. We're building resilient communities where people want to live. The north's economic future depends on its liveability, and this means investing in airports, in education precincts, in health facilities, in digital infrastructure and in community services. NAIF's track record supporting universities, like Charles Darwin University in my electorate, airport expansions, community facilities and regional services highlights the importance of social infrastructure to population growth, to workforce retention and to long-term regional sustainability. This 10-year extension will provide the certainty required for councils, universities and local developers to plan multi-year precincts and community anchoring projects.”
“The renewed 10-year mandate in this bill will allow NAIF to deepen this focus, including expanded pathways for traditional owner organisations to be project proponents or co-investors where this is appropriate. I want to go next to securing our economic transition and supply chains. Northern Australia is central to our future, and it is the nation's engine room for critical minerals, agriculture, resources and renewable energy opportunities. Extending NAIF ensures that patient capital is available to projects that derisk private investment in these areas of critical minerals processing and clean energy generation but also important transmission infrastructure, export capacity expansion and enabling infrastructure for new industries.”
“One of the NAIF's most important contributions is its integration of First Nations participation into every project. Every proponent must develop an Indigenous engagement strategy outlining commitments for employment, procurement, training and community benefit. This has delivered real outcomes across the north—more than 1,000 First Nations jobs supported; more than 190 Indigenous businesses engaged; and tens of millions spent on Indigenous procurement, scholarships, training pathways and mentoring programs linked to NAIF-supported project activity. Case studies demonstrate this impact vividly, from scholarship programs in Townsville to pathways in Western Australia's Mid West region. These are significant long-term workforce and capability investments that strengthen communities and deliver economic inclusion.”
“Recent annual reports and quarterly updates show a clear trajectory of delivery: over $4.3 billion committed across 32 projects, as I mentioned; forecast public benefit between $33 billion and $38 billion; over 18,000 jobs supported across the north; multiple loans already fully repaid, proving the recyclability of the NAIF model; and hundreds of millions deployed each financial year as projects reach major milestones. The 2023-24 annual report of the NAIF highlighted more than half a billion dollars in approved loans in that year alone, generating billions in projected public benefit. The project pipeline remains strong and includes major critical minerals developments, renewable energy hubs and key logistics corridors. This is direct, measurable, place based progress.”