NT Independent

Lack of qualifications, public comments raised ahead of Connolly appointment, internal federal documents show

A federal department held concerns about the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s proposed appointment of David Connolly as NT Administrator, newly released internal government documents show, with one brief suggesting Mr Connolly’s vast “meat inspection” experience “may not necessarily reflect the formal training or experience in public administration and understanding” necessary for the vice-regal position, while also raising concerns about the effect his public comments could have on eroding the public’s trust in the role.

Darwin Festival unveils lineup for 2026

The Darwin Festival has launched its 2026 program, featuring 764 artists presenting 405 performances, with organisers promising an eclectic mix of music, theatre, comedy, cabaret, dance and family-friendly events along with “mouth-watering food experiences”.

US Embassy won’t say if it strangely requested NT Govt hold July 4 celebrations

A senior NT public servant’s internal email to department heads claiming the US Embassy in Canberra asked the NT Government to come up with “creative ways” for the Territory to celebrate the US July 4 Independence Day holiday has been called into question, after the Embassy refused to confirm it made the unusual request.

Police ramp up efforts to find alleged Palmerston rapist

UPDATED: NT Police are searching for a man who they now say allegedly entered a Palmerston residence Wednesday night and raped a woman in her 80s at her home.

‘No child should ever be interrogated by police alone’: Backlash to proposed NT youth laws

The Finocchiaro CLP Government’s introduction of draft laws that would allow police to detain children for up to 48 hours and, in some cases, interrogate them without a legal guardian or parent present have been labelled as a deliberate expansion of state-inflicted trauma and harm against children, particularly Aboriginal children, critics say.

CLP to spruik NT as prime location for ‘AI-ready data centres’ on latest trip to Asia

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is sending a delegation to Taiwan this week as part of a “proactive investor engagement program” led by Asian Relations Minister Robyn Cahill that will involve “targeted meetings” with businesses interested in potentially developing “AI-ready data centres” in the Territory.