Business bulletin: 26 March 2026

Northern Territory (NT) service and supply businesses strengthened their profile at Energy Exchange Australia (EXA) in Perth, showcasing local capability and building connections with Australia’s energy industry.

EXA brings together energy businesses, operators and decision makers from across Australia and internationally to connect and discuss future energy opportunities.

With a skilled workforce, strong service and supply capability and abundant natural resources, the Territory is well placed to support major onshore and offshore gas development. The Beetaloo Sub‑basin remains a globally significant resource, offering major opportunities for local businesses and the Territory economy.

Over the 3‑day event, delegates increased their visibility and strengthened relationships with operators, Tier 1 service and supply companies and industry leaders.

The NT delegation included 15 businesses, 3 industry bodies and gas operator INPEX, representing:

• advanced manufacturing
• aviation
• engineering
• logistics
• mechanical and electrical services
• environmental services.

The Northern Territory (NT) Government is undertaking a review of the Private Security Act 1995 (the Act) to ensure the Territory’s regulatory systems continue to meet the needs of business and the community.

The security sector has evolved significantly since the introduction of the Private Security Act 1995 more than 30 years ago and has not undergone a comprehensive review. Changes are required due to the expanded roles that security personnel now play in public spaces, including private security community patrols.

Emerging challenges for the sector include finding the right balance between regulatory burden and industry flexibility, while ensuring effective service delivery and appropriate training and competency standards.

As part of the review, the following will be assessed:

• simplifying and modernising licensing categories
• training and competency standards for the industry
• codes of practice and compliance obligations for security providers.

The review will be informed by consultations with stakeholders.

This consultation provides an opportunity to help shape legislative reforms that will promote ongoing safety, professionalism and accountability in the NT’s private security sector.

Consultation is open until Friday 17 April 2026.

To provide feedback, go to the Have your say website.

The loan, issued in December 2023 and facilitated through the NT Government’s Territory Growth Initiative (TGI), supported the re‑establishment of the Nobles Gold Mine project and construction of a 70,000‑tonne‑per‑month processing facility.

The early repayment shows strong confidence in the Territory’s investment environment and economy.

Tennant Mines Managing Director, Peter Main, said the partnership with the Territory has delivered strong outcomes for the region. 'We are proud to repay this loan early and proud of what we have achieved for the Barkly and Territory communities through employment and working with local suppliers.'

Since April 2024, Tennant Mines has spent $21.5 million with:

• 252 Territory suppliers
• $12.2 million with 116 Barkly suppliers
• $2.1 million with 30 Aboriginal businesses

The company employs 56 staff, including 45 in Tennant Creek, and a further 158 contractor roles have been created locally. The project has also unlocked more than $80 million in private investment.

Tennant Mines is now in full production, with capacity to produce up to 60,000 ounces of gold per year, increasing to around 100,000 ounces as operations expand. Parent company Pan African Resources PLC continues exploration across its Barkly tenements and is progressing feasibility work at the Warrego project.

The Nobles Gold Mine project has revitalised the Barkly as a leading mining hub and strengthened the Territory’s position as a competitive destination for minerals processing and advanced manufacturing.

The TGI is the NT Government’s flagship loan and investment program, designed to support high‑growth businesses and strategically significant projects that deliver long‑term economic benefits for the Territory. By providing flexible, patient capital, the program helps unlock projects that may otherwise struggle to secure traditional financing, accelerating private investment, job creation and regional development.

Businesses seeking to establish or expand in the NT, or progress projects with strong economic impact, are encouraged to contact the TGI team to discuss potential funding opportunities.

Enquiries can be directed to tgi.dtbar@nt.gov.au or 08 8999 7900.

Aero Dili has launched a new direct air service between Darwin and Dili, strengthening economic and strategic ties between Northern Australia and Timor-Leste.

From 24 May 2026, the twice-weekly service will add another airline to the Darwin–Dili route, increasing choice and connectivity.

Whether it’s exploring Dili’s waterfront cafés, visiting historic landmarks, diving some of the region’s best coral reefs or connecting with Timor-Leste’s growing business community, the new service makes it easier to experience everything the city has to offer.

The additional service reinforces Darwin’s role as a gateway between Australia and Timor-Leste and strengthens our connections across the region.

To book your next getaway, go to the Aero Dili website.

Northern Trade Solutions (NTS) is set to strengthen the NT's manufacturing capabilities with the official opening of its new state of the art glass manufacturing facility, Northern Glass Solutions (NGS).

NGS is a subsidiary of NTS and is located at the East Arm Business Park.

NTS diversification into speciality glass manufacturing fills a gap in the local market for glass products such as fire resistant, cyclone resistant and bullet proof glass.

Previously, special purpose and energy efficient glass products needed to be imported from interstate or overseas.

This meant increased costs, longer lead times, potential delays and increased risk of product damage due to transportation.

The NGS factory is equipped to produce special purpose products including triple glazed and quadruple glazed, laminated, tempered, acoustic, fire-resistant, cyclone resistant and bullet-proof glass.

NGS will also establish a local supply of energy efficient products compliant with the 2022 National Construction Code and Window Energy Rating Scheme.

NGS will work in collaboration with the Australian Glass and Window Association as well as James Cook University and RMIT to research, test and establish manufacturing capabilities for special-purpose products.

This project is supported through the NT Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem Fund.

For more information, go to the Territory Business website.