NT committed to gas sector growth

APPEA has highlighted how the Northern Territory election results confirm that the community wants a stable and balanced approach for the oil and gas industry in response to COVID-19 and economic challenges.

Director of the Northern Territory Keld Knudsen said two minor parties, if elected, threatened to ban hydraulic fracturing and continued onshore gas development.

“The vast majority of Territorians voted for parties that support the science, evidence and benefits of a well-regulated industry and the long-term economic growth opportunities it provides,” Knudsen said. 

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has confirmed that Labor will form majority of the government in the Northern Territory for a second term.

“I do not see our victory as a reward, but as a renewal of our responsibilities to Territorians,” Gunner outlined in a recent Facebook post.

“I asked Territorians to stick with me and my team, so we can stay the course and see this through.”

Following the recent election where Gunner faced off against his rivals Lia Finocchiaro from the Country Liberal Party (CLP) and Terry Mills from Territory Alliance for the top job, Gunner stated that “you chose to keep putting the Territory first”.

“In backing Labor, you chose the future over the past. You chose stability and certainty. You chose strong and secure borders. You chose jobs, not cuts,” he said.

Knudsen added that the industry plays a key and stabilising role in the Territory’s economic recovery by providing jobs, private investment and ultimately an increase in taxes and royalties to the government.

“The NT election has delivered a clear and strong message on creating jobs and growing the local economy,” Knudsen said.

Gunner was first elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly in August 2008, following the retirement of former Chief Minister Clare Martin.

He became Leader of the Northern Territory Branch of the Australian Labor Party in April 2015 and was elected Chief Minister of the Northern Territory in August 2016.

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