Business bulletin: February 2025

Connectivity and access to the Northern Territory is set to increase with a trifecta of new direct aviation routes launched in the past 4 weeks.

In January, Indonesia AirAsia announced its return to the Northern Territory with the resumption of three-weekly direct Darwin-Bail service from 22 March.

Passengers from Darwin will be able to enjoy seamless connections via Bali to destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Hong Kong. While millions of guests across Asia will be welcomed to the Northern Territory.

This week, Airnorth launched a three-weekly direct service between Alice Springs and Cairns from 14 April providing a much needed boost to Alice Springs residents, businesses and tourism operators.

This route is strategically important to the NT tourism sector and connects Central Australia and Far North Queensland. It will also make It easier for Japanese visitors to disperse from Cairns to Alice Springs.

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

Also, this week Jetstar kicked off sales for a new four-weekly direct seasonal service between Darwin and the Gold Coast commencing 26 June 2025 to 24 October 2025.

Complementing the three airlines currently servicing the Brisbane-Darwin route, Jetstar’s new Gold Coast route will expand options for travelers between Darwin and greater southeast Queensland or Northern New South Wales.

These three direct services expand itinerary options for the Northern Territory tourism sector, connecting the Territory to key domestic and international markets.

By having direct access to key holiday regions, we are improving connectivity for travelers, supporting industry and economic growth and enhancing the livability for the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory Government is focused on pursuing more aviation services coming into the Territory and will continue to invest in this area.

The Northern Territory is strengthening ties with Malaysia with the Territory Stingers joining the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) for the next four years.

This venture between Hockey NT and the MHL includes a cultural exchange program for coaches, umpires and players as well as coaching clinics and community engagements.

The Stingers inclusion in the MHL will bolster regional and international hockey relationships and give Territory players exposure to a high-level international competition. The Stingers will also be an ambassador for the Territory rich heritage and multiculture.

This venture further highlights the benefits of connecting Territorians to this influential region, and boost cross-cultural outcomes in trade, investment, tourism, study and skilled migration.

Increasing two-way trade across Asia, including Malaysia will help grow the Territory’s economy with significant opportunities to diversify in sectors including food and agribusiness, manufacturing and the digital economy.

The Stingers will be based in Kuala Lumpur for the 2025 season, which runs until the end of February.

Twenty international students have been selected to represent and promote the Northern Territory’s international education sector as part of this year’s Study NT Student Ambassadors’ program.

The 2025 student ambassadors come from around the world and are passionate about studying, living, and working in the Northern Territory.

Student ambassador Sana-e-Zehra Haidry from Pakistan is studying a Master of Speech and Language Therapy at Charles Darwin University.

'I chose to study in the Northern Territory because of its welcoming multicultural community and, the opportunity to address real-world challenges through community-based clinical work and research,' she said.

'Applying for the Study NT Ambassador Program was a natural step to promote this incredible study destination and share my journey of personal and professional growth.'

During their year-long appointment, ambassadors will showcase the Territory study experience across social media, webinars and in marketing campaigns with Study NT.

Throughout the program ambassadors will receive a range of training opportunities to develop their leadership, community engagement, public speaking, writing and media skills to help them promote the Northern Territory.

International students are incredibly valuable to the Territory economy, workforce and they help to enrich our already multicultural community.

As of September 2024, 5,245 international students were enrolled across 23 NT international education and training providers.

Analysis undertaken by Ernst & Young shows, in 2023 each student contributed an average of $41,841 to the NT economy. In 2023, the international education and training sector generated $236.5m in export revenue.

The Northern Territory Government is committed to increasing the number of international students studying in the Territory. We are focused on showcasing the Territory as an ideal study destination, enriching the student experience, and strengthening our international education and training industry.

Interim Territory Coordinator, Stuart Knowles.

Since its release in October 2024, the Territory Coordinator consultation paper, draft bill and explanatory guide has received more than 500 submissions reflecting the views of Territorians, industry leaders and stakeholders.

The Territory Coordinator Bill is an initiative designed to deliver economic growth, streamline processes, and attract significant investment.

The feedback received from Territorians has been instrumental in shaping a framework that balances economic progress with accountability.

The revised bill will be informed by a rigorous consultation process with more than 300 attendees participating in 6 public forums across the Territory.

In addition, feedback was gathered through:

• 89 stakeholder consultation meetings with 267 participants, including peak bodies, industry leaders and community groups
• 559 written submissions, including 289 unique and 270 campaign submissions, were received across both consultation phases
• 81 community information forum feedback forms were submitted.

The feedback will be summarised in a publicly available consultation report, which will inform amendments to the draft Bill.

The revised Bill will be introduced to the Legislative Assembly in the February sittings before being referred to the Scrutiny Committee for additional consultation.

To find out more about the preliminary consultation summary visit the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet website.

In 2025 the Business Enterprise Centre (BECNT) will deliver a series of practical business workshops to the regions. To ensure these workshops meet the need of Territory businesses BECNT wants to hear from you.

Businesses can have their say via the ‘Business Workshops in My Region Survey’ developed by BECNT in partnership with the Northern Territory Government.

By completing the survey businesses will help shape the workshops held in your area ensuring that they provide practical skills, relevant knowledge, and insights to support your business success.

The survey takes 3 minutes to complete.

Have your say today at Business Workshops In My Region Survey

An independent review of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is now underway.

Territorians are invited to have their say about ASBFEO functions and operations to ensure they are effective and meet the needs of the small business community.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) was established in 2016 to advocate for, and give assistance to, small business and family enterprises. This includes assistance with disputes.

As the ASBFEO approaches 10 years of operation, it is timely to undertake a broader review of its functions and operations.

The review will be undertaken by small business expert Ms Judy O’Connell who will report the findings and recommendations to the Australian Government later this year.

Small businesses, family enterprises, the franchising sector and their representatives are invited to provide feedback through the survey.

The survey closes on 31 March 2025.

Have your say https://consult.treasury.gov.au/c2025-624500