Economic Development Framework

Chief Minister's message

I have been closely involved with the Economic Development Framework since its inception in 2005, having personally travelled to all regions of the Territory as part of the development of the framework in that year. It is an economic plan for the development of the Northern Territory that all Territorians can and will share in.

In saying this am very conscious of the need to ensure that the benefits of economic growth and development are evenly distributed. More work is required in the Territory's remote and regional areas to ensure that this occurs. Maintaining economic growth will surely assist in this process, although some of the problems of our remote regions will require a generation in time for progress to be realised.

The framework follows on from the earlier Economic Development Strategy of 2002, and underscores our intention to implement well considered plans that reflect enterprising public policies based upon extensive consultation my Government listens to people.

I am very pleased to note the considerable progress the Territory has made over the course of the reporting year in which the Northern Territory continues to easily outpace the Australian economy.

My thanks to the many Territorians who contribute to our successes and work on our challenges. The Territory is, without doubt, the best place to live, work and raise a family. particularly want to thank the Members of the Progress Group for their considerable efforts.

Hon Paul Henderson MLA

Chief Minister of the Northern Territory

Foreword

The Economic Development Framework has focused the policy making and decision making of the Government in recent years, in a way that has contributed to the significant prosperity of the Northern Territory over the last five years.

I am particularly pleased to see the high level of business confidence emerging from an increasingly diversified business sector. The Northern Territory Government has listened to business and consulted with the private sector in recognition that it is this sector that delivers sustainable, long term jobs, and a vital way of distributing the benefits of growth throughout our community. We must do more, particularly in Indigenous economic development, but our settings are on the right track.

I acknowledge that the Economic Development Framework is based on a forum held in 2005. It is timely that the framework be reviewed and this will be done during the course of the forthcoming year, and will be reflected in the Progress Report 2007-08 due in about 12 months time.

The considerable progress we have made over the course of the year is due in large to many of you. My thanks to everyone who participated in the development of this report, and particularly to my colleagues on the Progress Group for their valuable contributions.

Hon Kon Vatskalis MLA

Minister for Business and Economic Development
Minister for Regional Development