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

I have been extremely proud of the Territory and Territorians throughout this COVID-19 crisis and now into the economic recovery. The NT has, once again, carried a large burden of this latest national emergency, as we've always done. Back in February, we used the workers village out at Howard Springs. It was utilised as a quarantining hub for Australian citizens and permanent residents evacuated from overseas, many of whom were in mainland China during the worst of the pandemic. Later, we held evacuees from the Diamond Princess. This facility is still being used to isolate people who do not live in Darwin—those who do not have a home, the homeless. In the midst of the national tragedy, the Territory kept all Australians safe, reflecting the spirit that I am so proud to represent.

This Territorian attitude can be seen in grassroots, self-organised community groups who are looking after their neighbours and the international students. The Northern Territory government's strong leadership in the crisis has also been widely recognised, both locally and internationally. This reminds us that a strong Territory means a strong Australia. Territorians stuck together when it mattered, and I'm proud to say that the Territory keeps going from strength to strength, protecting our people whilst at the same time moving forward through this COVID-19 response.