Business bulletin: 1 October 2025

The Northern Territory Government (NTG) has appointed Mr Tom Harris as the inaugural Territory Procurement Champion.

The announcement coincides with the commencement of the NTG’s procurement reforms.

The new procurement champion role is a cornerstone of the NTG’s procurement reform program, which is modernising how government purchases goods and services.

The reforms reflect the government’s strong commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment, reducing unnecessary red tape, and ensuring procurement processes are more effective for both business and government.

As the Territory procurement champion, Mr Harris will take on responsibility for the arm’s length handling of procurement complaints and will work closely with businesses and government agencies to increase opportunities for local procurement.

Mr Harris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. As the current Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Contractors Federation NT, he has extensive expertise in construction contract management and a strong track record of engaging with industry to deliver outcomes that support business growth and local jobs.

Mr Harris said he was proud to be given the opportunity to be the Territory procurement champion.

“The procurement champion is an exciting and positive role, and I welcome the opportunity to connect with individuals and businesses throughout the Northern Territory.

“I have a long and ongoing connection to the Northern Territory and know that growth within our local business community is a major factor in driving economic development opportunities throughout our region.”

The procurement reforms came into effect on 1 October and will:

• simplify local buying with the tier 1 purchasing cap increasing from $15,000 to $50,000
• increase local buying opportunities with tier 2 purchasing cap increasing from $100,000 to $200,000
• streamlining everyday purchases with direct purchasing from a Territory business for low risk, readily available and commonly used supplies.

For more information about the Territory Government’s procurement reform program, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

A Northern Territory Government and businesses delegation attended World Expo 2025 Osaka last month to promote trade, investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties with Japan.

The delegation included 20 Territorians, comprising 18 organisations across a broad range of industries including, hospitality, agriculture, art and culture, energy, digital and AI.

The world expo enabled the Territory delegation to explore new export markets and build relationships in Japan and other international markets.

Signature events held in the Australian Pavillion at World Expo 2025 Osaka saw the Territory showcase its world-class produce including Humpty Doo Saltwater barramundi, Hewitt Foods beef and Territory gin from Darwin Distilling.

Cultural highlights featured artwork from Merrepen Arts Centre and Marrawuddi Arts and Culture, with support from Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation.

The Northern Territory Government also hosted an energy luncheon with representatives from INPEX, Tamboran Resources, Beetaloo Energy Australia and Santos in attendance to highlight investment opportunities and progress discussions around clean energy production in the Territory.

World Expo 2025 Osaka provided an opportunity to strengthen the Northern Territory’s strong bilaterial relationship with Japan and showcase the Territory’s unique strengths to a global audience.

World Expo 2025 Osaka officially opened its doors to the public on 13 April 2025 with more than 150 countries participating in the 6-month long event.

October Business Month (OBM) is now underway with 2 of Australia’s leading entrepreneurs headlining this year’s program and over 200 events to help Territory businesses grow.

This year’s theme 'Play to our Strengths' will focus on:

• digitalisation, using AI to implement technology
• workforce attraction and talent retention
• resilience in business.

The opening keynote speaker event will be in Alice Springs on Wednesday 8 October featuring Carolyn Creswell, founder and CEO of Australia’s favourite muesli brand, Carman’s Kitchen. Tickets are still available for this event.

Carolyn will then head to Darwin for the Women in Business Lunch on Friday 10 October. Tickets are selling fast, sales close 11:59 pm Sunday 5 October or when sold out.

Territory businesses will hear from keynote speaker Simon Griffiths, social entrepreneur, co-Founder and CEO of the eco-friendly toilet paper brand, Who Gives A Crap, in Darwin on Wednesday 29 October. Tickets to this event are also available.

Each keynote speaker event will showcase a panel of local Territory Success Stories (TSS). This year’s TSS include a diverse range of Territory business owners and entrepreneurs, each of whom bring their own local story to inspire and share with the business community.

OBM 2025 will deliver the Business Support Series, providing practical support for small to medium businesses right across the Territory.

These sessions provide advice tools and insights to help business owners and managers strengthen operations, build resilience and seize opportunities.

Our 70+ event partners will also deliver a wide variety of events, workshops and networking opportunities across the Territory.

To check out what’s on in your region and book today, go to the October Business Month website.

Northern Territory businesses now have the chance to build their international expertise through the accredited Asia Literacy Uplift program, delivered in partnership between the Northern Territory Government and Asialink Business.

This program has been specifically tailored to prepare Territory businesses for successful engagement with Timor-Leste – a close neighbour and emerging partner for trade and investment.

Participants will benefit from:

• a live-facilitated, market-focused business session, offering practical insights into the unique cultural and commercial environment of Timor-Leste.
• access to a self-paced online course on 'doing business in Asia'
• practical tools and strategies to help businesses confidently engage, build relationships, and pursue opportunities in Timor-Leste.

The program will not only build skills and capabilities but will help you to understand how best to pitch your business in market.

With its geographic proximity, strong cultural ties, and expanding opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, tourism and resources, Timor-Leste represents a valuable market for Territory businesses looking to diversify and grow.

The Asia Literacy Uplift program – Timor Leste is delivered free of charge and is open to all Northern Territory businesses and industry.

For more informaiton and to register, go to the Eventbrite website.

The Department of Tourism and Hospitality is inviting expressions of interest to revitalise the Window and the Wetlands (WOW) site.

Located 70 km east of Darwin and overlooking the Adelaide River floodplains, the WOW site is a Top End landmark with cultural, environmental and tourism significance.

This is an opportunity to shape a standout visitor experience at an iconic location that and showcases the landscape, and celebrates culture, community and country.

Do you have a version for the WOW site? We would love to hear from you.

For more information, email parks.eoi@nt.gov.au

A site inspection will be held on 23 September at 10 am. To attend you must register via email to parks.eoi@nt.gov.au no later than 19 September.

Expressions of interest closes 19 October 2025.