The Northern Territory Government has renewed its push for migration settings that better reflect regional workforce needs, arguing that skilled migration will be essential to support economic growth and major development projects across the Territory.
The call comes as the Northern Territory economy is forecast to grow by 4.6 per cent annually from 2028-29, with government leaders warning that labour shortages remain a challenge across multiple industries.
Northern Territory Minister for International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill raised the issue at the national Ministerial Migration Roundtable in Melbourne on Wednesday, where state and territory representatives discussed the future direction of Australia’s migration system.
Cahill said the Territory was seeking migration settings that support regional development and allocate visas according to local demand and workforce requirements.
The government argues that major projects, including the Beetaloo Sub-basin development and the Nolans Rare Earths project, will require a larger skilled workforce if they are to reach their full potential and deliver economic benefits.
“Workforce shortages are being experienced across both public and private sectors, and it is critical that Territory businesses are supported to recruit the workforce they need now and into the future,” Minister Cahill said.
The Territory Government maintains that population growth remains closely linked to economic development, particularly in regional and remote areas where employers often face difficulties filling vacancies.
“As a regional area with ongoing workforce shortages, it is important that we have programs in place that support population growth,” Cahill said.
The government said its approach remains focused on employing local workers wherever possible while using migration to address shortages that cannot be met domestically.
“Our Government is committed to prioritising jobs for Territorians first, supported by interstate worker attraction schemes, but where shortages are not able to be met from within our shores, it is critical businesses are supported to attract workers from overseas,” Cahill said.
The Territory Government is continuing discussions with the Australian Government on future migration settings, with a focus on regional workforce planning, skilled migration pathways and long-term population growth.
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