Pipelines and petroleum reform a step forward for long-term economic development

The Darwin Major Business Group congratulates the Finocchiaro CLP Government on the passage of the Pipelines and Petroleum Legislation Amendment (Industry Development) Bill 2026 as announced by the Minister for Mining & Energy, the Hon Gerard Maley MLA.

The reforms send an important signal that the Northern Territory is serious about enabling long-term economic development, supporting investment confidence and positioning the Territory as a competitive destination for major industry and infrastructure projects.

DMBG particularly welcomes measures aimed at improving regulatory certainty, modernising approvals frameworks and supporting the continued development of the Beetaloo Sub-basin and associated pipeline and industrial infrastructure opportunities.

At a time when national discussions are increasingly focused on energy security, sovereign capability, supply chain resilience and economic productivity, the Territory has a unique opportunity to contribute to Australia’s long-term strategic and economic interests.

The development of the Beetaloo Sub-basin has the potential to support future domestic energy supply, industrial growth, export opportunities, regional development and broader economic diversification across Northern Australia.

Importantly, achieving these outcomes will require ongoing collaboration between government, industry and the community, including continued focus on infrastructure planning, workforce capability, Indigenous economic participation, environmental management and maintaining public confidence.

These issues will continue to form part of DMBG’s broader policy and stakeholder engagement discussions in the lead-up to the organisation’s forthcoming Facing North engagement program in Canberra later in the year.