NT Government: Treasurer Nicole Manison today re-confirmed that the Territory Labor Government’s number priority is jobs, with a $1.75 billion job-creating cash budget for 2017/18.

Ms Manison said the $1.75 billion cash infrastructure budget for 2017-18 is clearly set out in the first table (p4) of the Budget book entitled ‘The infrastructure program’ (link: https://budget.nt.gov.au/)

“So far this financial year, Government has spent over $900 million on capital works, repairs and maintenance, grants and on infrastructure related payments, including Government owned Corporations and we will reach $1 billion over the next month.

“The Leader of the Opposition appears to be as confused on Budget matters. His misunderstanding could have been easily clarified nine months ago when the Budget was released, or at Budget Estimates in June had he bothered to turn up.

“The CLP were chaotic in Government, and they are equally chaotic in Opposition, constantly talking the Territory down, and encouraging their Canberra mates to turn their backs on the Territory.

“To be very clear, Territory Labor is on track for a record infrastructure spend in 2017/18, with projects such as the $26 million Palmerston Police Station, the $40 million Gunn Point Road, $40 million Barneson Boulevard, the $32 million State Square underground car park and the $8 million Katherine Fire Station all soon to be awarded.

“We also have massive roads projects such as the $57.4 million Keep River Plains Road Upgrade to support Project Sea Dragon and the $77.8 million Arnhem Highway – Adelaide River Floodplain Upgrade expected to be released in April at the start of the dry season.

“This Government is focused on creating jobs and growing the Territory, not talking it down,” Ms Manison said.