The key story in this issue is the upcoming Investment Summit, which will bring hundreds of potential investors and key decision-makers to Darwin. The summit replaces Facing North, which entailed Territory business leaders and politicians going to Canberra rather than would-be investors coming here. Let’s be honest, the Territory has many problems – social and economic – but it is still the land of opportunity, still a great place to work, live, study and invest. The potential for investors is enormous.

There are many reasons to be optimistic about our future. The Beetaloo gas project will create fantastic wealth – taxes, royalties, jobs, training and a tremendous suite of subcontracts for local business. The ship lift will do the same as it creates a new marine repair and maintenance industry. And the industrial precinct on the outskirts of Darwin promises to transform the Territory economy. On top of that, an exciting digital and AI industry is emerging. The legislative changes that limit lawfare – the attempt by militant environmentalists to sabotage wealth-creating projects – are making the Territory a more attractive place for investors. Having said that, I have huge concerns over AI because we will see copyright, IP and a string
of issues testing the technology against ownership.

The profile of Phoebe Bardsley in this edition of TQ demonstrates the Territory entrepreneurial spirit. Her marvellous idea to set up a health service labour recruitment company, Golocum, shows what can be done with imagination, knowledge and ambition.

Another profile, of successful businessman Tony Smith and his partner Libby Prell, also shows what can be done with grit and determination – while all the time recognising the importance of good staff and treating them well. Fifty years in private sector business is a massive achievement –and I only ever hear great things about them and their businesses. They are incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. Thank you

NT Link is proof that small to medium enterprises form the backbone of the Territory business community, especially in Darwin and regional hubs, such as Alice Springs, Katherine and Nhulunbuy. There is a growing Indigenous business sector, with increasing participation in procurement and economic development programs. Although the Territory faces challenges, such as geographic isolation, workforce shortages and the high cost of logistics, it also offers unique advantages: close proximity to Asia and a young, multicultural population. With infrastructure development and a growing focus on sustainability and innovation, the Territory business sector has positioned itself as a competitive, can-do, forward-looking driver for the economy. Businesses are getting better at chasing supply chains and bidding for Defence work.

We do it every day to keep the wheels turning.

Eight months into government and now that Estimates are over, the Country Liberal Party must shift gears from opposition and campaigning to governing. Blaming the previous Labor government might have worked in opposition, but in power, it’s no longer a strategy — it’s a distraction. I’m seeing a lot of support for the Government and business is right behind pushing for smart economic management. The time for critique has passed; now is the time for solutions, action and delivery.

The Territory faces real challenges: cost of living pressures, a housing shortage, workforce gaps and the need for private investment to stimulate growth. These can’t be solved by looking in the rear-view mirror and the Investment Summit is a great start to push ahead. I’m excited about the future and Territorians want to see a government focused on good policy, infrastructure, regional development and building a strong, diverse economy.

And one final thing from my soap box – I support the disbanding of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption and suggest referring any future cases to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The NT’s jurisdiction is simply too small to support an effective, truly independent anti-corruption body. In a region where professional and personal relationships frequently overlap, the risk of perceived and actual conflicts of interest is high and often unavoidable. These layered conflicts compromise the integrity and public confidence in such a body from the outset.

Nearly $5.7 million of taxpayers’ money was used to fund ICAC in the Territory and it delivered little. Comments against kpi’s in its annual report state: “No recommendations made by the Inspector during the reporting period” and “no examinations held during reporting period”.

ICAC’s track record has been marked by scandal, mismanagement and high-profile investigations with few, if any, conclusive results — undermining both its credibility and purpose. It has been publicly reported that I was the subject of a clandestine secret recording in a public place when I was not a person of interest. ICAC did not obtain a warrant and my personal safety was not under threat. The cowboy operations have tainted the integrity of the office. It has become a costly and inefficient entity, drawing resources away from essential services without delivering the highest level of integrity and accountability it was intended to ensure.

By referring serious matters to the national ICAC, Territorians can have greater confidence that allegations
of corruption will be investigated independently, professionally and without local interference. The national body is better resourced, has broader reach, and is not subject to the limitations that come with operating in a jurisdiction as small and interconnected as the Territory. This is not about avoiding scrutiny — it’s about ensuring that scrutiny is fair, impartial and effective. It’s time to be pragmatic, responsible and accountable with public money and public trust.

But what would I know? I’ve only been in business for 24 years – and still counting.