NT Treasurer claims resource boom is easing territory's debt burden

Two years after the CLP's election, Northern Territory Treasurer Bill Yan reported that the territory's debt trajectory has flattened thanks to progress on major resource projects and a housing grant program. He cited eight active mining initiatives, such as the Beetaloo Basin gas field slated to start pumping to Darwin, the Nolans Rare Earths Project, and revived operations at Mount Todd gold mine. Yan also mentioned upcoming pipeline plans to deliver water and gas for data centres.

Economist Saul Eslake argued that the boom largely reflects global commodity trends, but said clearer policy could encourage further high-risk exploration. The latest budget shows net debt slightly above earlier projections, with the increase attributed more to external factors than to CLP policy choices. Yan maintained the government is creating an investor-friendly environment without imposing obstacles.