19 FEBRUARY 2025, JOINT MEDIA RELEASE, THRIVING SUBURBS

Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
Leader of The Nationals in the Senate

Senator for Victoria

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price

Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians

Senator for the Northern Territory

Lisa Bayliss

Country Liberal Party candidate for Solomon

Lisa Siebert

Country Liberal Party candidate for Lingiari

MEDIA RELEASE

19 February 2025

Darwin won’t thrive under Labor as NT misses out again

The Albanese Labor Government has snubbed the Northern Territory once again by failing to award a single grant to the Northern Territory for community projects under the so-called Thriving Suburbs Program.

Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Senator McKenzie while in the Northern Territory said Darwin continues to miss out on funding opportunities needed to help build more prosperous, safe and inclusive communities.

“The Prime Minister has made it clear he has no interest in helping Darwin thrive as Australia’s northern gateway,” Senator McKenzie said.

“Labor has starved Darwin of grants for community facilities and infrastructure in a clear sign the Prime Minister has given up on the Territory.”

Senator for the Northern Territory, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said Labor had pork-barrelled its cities fund in an effort to sandbag marginal seats in Victoria against the Prime Minister’s growing unpopularity and declining vote.

“This is a classic tale of two cities with Melbourne the big winner securing more than a third of the funds while Darwin got nothing at all.

“The Territory has been completely let down by its three Federal Labor MPs who have failed to fight for local projects to secure the funding our communities need,” Senator Nampijinpa Price said.

“The Northern Territory relies on getting its fair share from Commonwealth grant programs so it hurts when Darwin is completely overlooked under programs like the Thriving Suburbs.”

“The reason I put up my hand to run, is because I am sick of Darwin and Palmerston being taken for granted, this is yet another example. I’m sick of decisions being made in Canberra with no regard to Territorians, it’s time for some positive change.” Ms Bayliss, CLP candidate for Solomon said.

Country Liberal Party candidate for Lingiari, Lisa Siebert, said the Litchfield region is a prime example of being left behind, missing out on funding for a community hall and facilities to support families engaging in pony club and other activities at Livingstone Recreation Reserve.

“The Litchfield Council should be commended for pushing for funding to give young people more opportunities and strengthen community infrastructure.

“It beggars belief that the Albanese Government refused to fund even a single community project in the Northern Territory through its suburbs program—completely ignoring regions like Litchfield while other states reap the benefits.”