Business bulletin: 17 April 2025

The inaugural Airnorth Alice Springs to Cairns route took flight earlier this week providing greater connectivity and choice for international visitors coming into the Red Centre and beyond.

The route, which is supported by the NT Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme (TAAS) also strengthens the connection between two of Australia’s most iconic regions, Central Australia and Far North Queensland.

The three-times weekly service will be operated by Airnorth’s modern Embraer E190 jet and deliver more than 30,000 annual seats further enhancing domestic and international travel itineraries.

This strategic link means travellers from key international markets can experience the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Centre in one seamless itinerary.

This also means Alice Springs residents can now use Cairns as a gateway to Fiji and Japan – improving the liveability of the Territory.

Airnorth CEO Daniel Bowden said, 'The Alice Springs–Cairns route strengthens Australia’s regional network, linking two dynamic destinations that offer unique tourism experiences and business opportunities. We’re thrilled to provide greater accessibility and choice for travellers.'

This is the second Airnorth TAAS route following the launch of the Alice Springs-Perth route in 2024.

With Perth’s growing profile as an international gateway into Australia from the UK, Europe and South Africa, this route could support the development of new inbound itineraries that include Perth, Central Australia and Far North Queensland.

As the Northern Territory aviation sector grows, Territorians and travellers are primed to benefit from improved connectivity to our region, greater choice and more access to competitive airfares.

Promotional sales fares start from $299 one way between Alice Springs and Cairns.

For bookings and more information, visit Airnorth website.

The period for which commercial builders need to be registered in the Northern Territory has been extended by a further 12 months.

Changes to the Building Act 1993 requiring commercial building contractors in the NT to be registered came into force in April 2024.

To support the construction industry and maximise the opportunity for commercial builders to gain registration, the Northern Territory Government has extended the period for commercial builders to be registered based on experience.

Previously builders were required to have at least 3 years practical experience gained within the last 10 years with at least one year being work undertaken in the Territory to be registered as commercial builder in the Territory.

To assist construction builders obtain their registration, the timeframe in which they must demonstrate their practical experience has been extended from 10 to 15 years.

This change allows the Territory’s construction industry to align with national standards, but also allows sufficient time to meet the new registration requirements based on experience.

Applications for consideration under the expanded timeframe must be submitted no later than Friday 27 March 2026.

Applications submitted and declined under the prior requirement of a demonstrated ten years’ experience may be resubmitted if the new requirement of 15 years can be demonstrated.

The Northern Territory Government will hold free information sessions about the new NT Designated Area Migration Agreement (NT DAMA III) for businesses experiencing workforce shortages.

Around 100 employers attended the first information session, which was held in Darwin earlier this week.

The new streamlined and expanded program includes access to 325 occupations in demand across various industries and skill levels in the Territory.

Other key elements of DAMA III include:

• flexible pathways to permanent residence
• age concessions up to 55 years
• English level concessions for selected occupations
• salary concession
• streamlined application processes for employers.

NT DAMA III continues to enable local employers address their unique economic and labour market needs with a level of flexibility not available in standard skilled migration programs.

These information sessions are an opportunity for businesses to understand how they can utilise the new NT DAMA to sponsor overseas workers and address skill shortages in their workforce.

The information sessions, which will be led by Migration NT will include information about the new application process, criteria and NT DAMA settings.

Regional information sessions are scheduled for May, to register view events.

Darwin based tech-start up, Raindrop is taking the guess work out of insurance policies with the development of an AI powered platform that translate intricate policies into easy-to-understand language.

With insurance policies becoming increasingly complex a team of insurance professionals and tech innovators came together to form Raindrop to develop a solution to this problem.

Raindrop is an AI powered software program specialising in decoding and analysing insurance policies. It has been designed to read, understand and translate policies into simple language saving brokers, underwriters and clients time and providing newfound clarity.

Jasmin Flori-Hess, CEO and founder of Raindrop said 'we knew the opportunity and the capability was in Darwin to build Raindrop. This is where Raindrop belonged. It's my home, and I saw incredible potential here. We wanted to be part of building the future of the Territory, by bringing cutting edge AI technology here.'

Raindrop, who is co-located at The Array in Darwin City received pre seed investment from local angel investors.

Jasmin said, 'The Array has been a game-changer for Raindrop. The community, the proximity to resources, and the safe, supportive environment are invaluable for a Technology startup.'

'We're committed to building a team of exceptional talent right here in the Territory. We're proving that you don't have to leave Darwin to pursue a fulfilling tech career, especially in AI.'

The project is supported by the Northern Territory Government’s innovation program which provides grant funding and advice to help businesses commercialise their innovation.

Funding from the innovation program will help Raindrop to develop an AI powered Software as a Service (SaaS) platform specialising in decoding and analysing complex insurance policies for insurance professionals and help educate their clients.

Applications for the innovation program are now open and close 30 April 2025

For more information and to apply visit the Northern Territory Government website.

Earlier this month, a Northern Territory Government delegation travelled to Singapore to progress investment opportunities in the Territory’s tech and digital economy.

Singapore is an important strategic partner for business and investment in the Territory.

The Northern Territory is a dynamic and forward-thinking region that presents wealth of opportunities for Singapore businesses to test, refine and scale their innovations in a real-world environment.

During the visit, the delegation joined the NT’s Paspalis at an event with investment the investment arm of SG Growth Capital, SEEDS Capital, to expand opportunities between the Northern Territory and Singapore.

Recently, Paspalis was named one of 20 new global partners at SEEDS to help unlock new tech investment in our region.

Over the next three years SEEDS plans to accelerate investment in areas such as advanced manufacturing, med tech, agrifood tech, sustainability, space tech and quantum tech.

Paspalis will provide resources and networks to support start-ups exploring and entering new markets, customer acquisition and diversifying supply chains.

CEO of Paspalis Corporation, Harley Paroulakis said, 'Singapore is a global innovation leader. The Northern Territory complements that strength by offering deep tech startups something few places can – vast open area, industry access, and testbed ready terrain.'

With its strategic location in Asia, Darwin is poised to be a cornerstone of global digital connectivity, not only serving as a gateway for Australia but also reinforcing regional security and economic stability and paving the way for a secure, resilient and interconnected future.

This is an exciting time for the Territory as we strengthen our international relationships and build the foundations for a thriving economy.