Investment in NT strengthens national security and boosts jobs

The Albanese Government is investing tens of billions of dollars to enhance defence infrastructure and capabilities in the Northern Territory, making Australians safer while supporting thousands of local jobs.

Territorians are key beneficiaries of the 2024 Integrated Investment Program (IIP) which allocated $14-$18 billion over the next decade to bolster Australia’s northern bases and contribute to enhanced collective security of the Indo-Pacific. 

The Government’s investment plan will accelerate upgrades to RAAF Base Tindal, including airfield improvements to enable enhanced air refuelling operations by KC‑30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft. 

New littoral manoeuvre facilities will also be developed in Northern Australia, along with redevelopment of the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct in Darwin, including facilities upgrades and new berthing capabilities to accommodate major surface combatants and submarines at HMAS Coonawarra. 

Additional funding will deliver more live-in accommodation at Robertson Barracks to support the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, as well as upgrades to a range of base services. Other air base upgrade projects to receive increased funding include major maintenance at RAAF Base Darwin and Mount Bundey Airfield. 

These projects will deliver more employment opportunities for locals over the coming years, building on thousands of jobs already created in the Northern Territory’s defence industry, and continuing to provide a key income stream for supply chain providers. 

The Northern Territory is seen as a critical component of Australia’s defence architecture as confirmed in the IIP, which set out specific defence capabilities the Government will invest in to give effect to the 2024 National Defence Strategy. This includes development and investment in the Defence estate in northern Australia which will strengthen Australia’s force posture readiness and deliver a more integrated, focused force. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“The Albanese Government is boosting spending on defence to deliver a generational uplift in the capabilities the ADF needs to make Australians safer and to protect our national interests.

“Investment in our northern bases is a priority for the Albanese Government and critical to an integrated, focused force and boosting Australia’s force posture readiness as outlined in the IIP and National Defence Strategy.

“The IIP includes investments of $14-$18 billion to ensure Defence has a logistically connected and resilient set of bases, ports and barracks across Australia’s north, building on the capabilities of the Darwin region as a key component in the national maritime sustainment network.

“This is good for jobs, good for the Territory, and good for Australia’s peace and security.”