Darwin Major Business Group, a coalition of Territory employers helping to shape the economic future of Northern Australia, was founded in 2017.

Recognising that larger employers and investors shared common concerns and aspirations, founding members came together to form a focused forum for economic advocacy.

Today, the DMBG includes many of Darwin’s most influential firms — organisations that not only employ thousands of Territorians but also shape the built environment, supply chains, tourism experiences and commercial opportunities across the Top End.

Its members are not bystanders in the NT economy — they are architects of it.

Chairs have led the organisation with vision and a sense of collaboration – Ian Kew, Michael Hannon AM, Avril Baynes and now Steve Margetic.

The group’s central ambition is clear: to help build a stronger, more diversified and more resilient Northern Territory economy. The DMBG leans into long-term planning and strategic priorities. Its members are united by a belief that the Territory can be an economic engine for Australia — through smart investment, regional development, and policy settings that encourage risk-taking and reward effort.

The DMBG supports initiatives that drive population growth, private investment and liveability.

It promotes infrastructure projects that enable rather than merely employ, and regulatory settings that welcome rather than deter innovation. The DMBG advocates for balanced public investment to ensure a financial return to the Territory and for increased private investment.

The strength of the DMBG lies in its diversity. Its members span:

• Construction and property
• Retail and hospitality
• Logistics and transport
• Resources and energy

This breadth of expertise means the DMBG doesn’t just speak for one industry or interest — it brings a whole-of-economy perspective.

In recent years, the DMBG has deepened its national reach and policy influence through signature initiatives designed to spotlight the Territory’s economic opportunity.

Foremost among these is Facing North — an event co-hosted with the Northern Territory Government in Canberra. Bringing together federal ministers, senior public servants, national media and key Territory stakeholders, Facing North positions the NT as a serious player in Australia’s economic and strategic landscape.

Complementing this is the group’s investment in an independent economic analysis of the Northern Territory economy in 2024 and 2025, published in the reports Over the Horizon and DMBG’s response – What the Territory Needs Now. The reports are available at www.dmbg.com.au

The DMBG is not a lobby group in the traditional sense. It does not seek headlines. It seeks results. The DMBG priorities for 2025 are:

• An unwavering focus on growth
• A pipeline of investment dollars
• A sophisticated 21st century public service
• Shaping how investors, decision-makers and visitors see the Territory
• Recalibrating lifestyle, liveability and livelihoods
• Reclaiming our towns and cities

Its views are informed by data, operational experience, and a pragmatic understanding of what businesses — and communities — need to thrive.

DMBG continues to advocate and collaborate, if in the interests of the Northern Territory, with governments to advance the Territory’s economy. Examples of these opportunities include:

• Joint advocacy for infrastructure investment
• Defence industry and sovereign capability development
• Workforce and migration strategies
• Indigenous economic empowerment
• Regional and northern development strategies
• Co-hosting national events and policy forums

Opportunities also exist for a stronger connection between the Northern Territory’s only university, Charles Darwin University, and with local government.

For tourists and visitors, the DMBG may be invisible — but its impact is all around. From the resorts you check into, to the restaurants, roads, cultural spaces, buildings and events that define the Darwin experience, many are supported, constructed or led by DMBG members.

The group champions destination development and air access strategies that attract high- value visitors while preserving the Territory’s authenticity.

The DMBG recognises the opportunities beyond our borders and in March 2025 took part in a strategic industry delegation to Honolulu, aimed at strengthening defence partnerships and expanding economic opportunities for the Northern Territory.

On March 5, 2025, the delegation presented a workshop titled Partnering for Strength: Expanding US Construction Capability with Australian Industry.

The event was attended by senior executives from over 25 US defence contractors and showcased the Northern Territory’s critical role in regional security and national defence. It also highlighted the capability of the local construction sector to deliver the infrastructure needed for Australia’s and its allies’ defence objectives.

The initiative builds upon previous engagements and seeks to position Northern Territory businesses for substantial investments being delivered through the United States Force Posture Initiatives and the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. The delegation’s efforts aim to ensure that NT companies secure positions in the supply chain and maximize the economic benefits of U.S. investment.

Beyond securing new contracts, the visit also served to promote NT Defence Week, which took place in Darwin from April 28 to May 2, 2025. This flagship event attracted leading US contractors, creating further engagement and business opportunities for NT industry.

The DMBG’s involvement in this delegation underscores its commitment to fostering international partnerships and driving economic growth in the Northern Territory.

DMBG has partnered with the Northern Territory Government to deliver the Northern Territory Investment Summit in Darwin in July 2025 and will commence soon for Facing North 2026 in Canberra.

Northern Australia stands at a crossroads. With global shifts in energy, geopolitics, food security and digital innovation, the NT’s importance is growing. The Darwin Major Business Group is ready. As a coalition of serious businesses committed to serious outcomes, it remains a vital partner in shaping the Northern Territory’s future.