Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to acknowledge that the Northern Territory Treasurer, Hon. Nicole Manison MLA, will be in Canberra over the next couple of days. Nicole is a brilliant woman, a great minister and a good friend. She is a strong advocate for the Northern Territory and I know she will fight hard for all Territorians in a very constructive way with the federal government to get the investment in the Northern Territory that we need to realise the developing of the north for the future of our northern capital and our territory.

This support for Darwin in a challenging economic environment is more important than ever. We have seen recent job losses at the large Inpex plant. But, luckily, the Gunner government of the Northern Territory has a plan that will be focused on delivering jobs. Part of that is engaging with Defence. I was lucky enough to have the shadow assistant minister for defence, Gai Brodtmann, come and meet with the chamber of commerce recently. Defence expansion in the Northern Territory is going to be an important part of us moving forward with our economy. So we will be having further meetings in the near future with Defence.

I am also running an 'ideas fest' weekend for entrepreneurs to get the commercial activity in the Territory happening in the right direction. (Time expired)