NT Industry Delegation to Boost US Defense Ties
The Finocchiaro CLP Government will lead a high-powered industry delegation to the Indo-Pacific in March to strengthen defence partnerships and expand economic opportunities for the Northern Territory.
This week-long strategic mission, led by DefenceNT, will deepen relationships with US defence and defence contractors while securing new opportunities for the Territory’s industry.
The delegation includes representatives from:
Darwin Major Business Group;Master Builders NT;Industry Capability Network NT;Local construction contractors.
As part of the trip, the delegation will present a workshop titled “Partnering for Strength: Expanding US Construction Capability with Australian Industry” in Honolulu, Hawaii, on 5 March.
Attended by senior executives from over 25 US defence contractors, the workshop will highlight the Northern Territory’s critical role in regional security and national defence.
It will also showcase the capability of our local construction sector to deliver the critical infrastructure needed for Australia’s and our allies’ defence objectives.
Chief Minister and Minister for DefenceNT, Lia Finocchiaro, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing defence-related economic growth and ensuring the Territory capitalised on its strategic importance.
“Defence is a pillar of our economy, contributing approximately 9% to our Gross State Product,” she said.
“Although I can’t attend this event in person, I have sent a video message reinforcing how important the Territory is for Defence, and I look forward to visiting later this year.
“Attracting new US-led investments is a key part of our plan to rebuild the economy. The Northern Territory is a critical partner in regional security, and we are determined to ensure our local industry is at the forefront of upcoming opportunities.”
This delegation builds on last year’s engagement and seeks to position NT businesses for the substantial investments being delivered through the United States Force Posture Initiatives (USFPI) and the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI).
The Northern Territory is at the heart of the USFPI, which has already directed hundreds of millions of dollars into essential infrastructure supporting the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) and the broader US military presence.
The PDI Multi-Award Construction Contract (MACC) is a US$15 billion program to enhance Indo-Pacific defence infrastructure.
With MACC contract awards expected later this year, this mission is crucial to ensuring NT companies secure positions in the supply chain and maximise the economic benefits of US investment.
Master Builders NT chief executive officer Damien Moriarty said the delegation was a vital opportunity for the NT construction sector to showcase its expertise.
“This delegation places the Territory’s construction industry in front of the right people at the right time,” he said.
“Our industry is competitive and ready to deliver, and this workshop is our chance to prove it to key US defence decision-makers.”
Beyond securing new contracts, this visit will also promote NT Defence Week, which takes place in Darwin from 28 April – 2 May 2025.
This flagship event will attract leading US contractors, creating further engagement and business opportunities for NT industry.
Industry Capability Network NT chief executive officer Daniel McCormick highlighted the Northern Territory’s strong track record in delivering world-class projects.
“We’ve proven our capability with major projects like INPEX’s Ichthys LNG and continue to demonstrate it with our ongoing defence infrastructure delivery,” he said.
“This workshop allows us to showcase our expertise and demonstrate how NT industry can support future US projects.”
DefenceNT will continue working closely with local industry to attract defence investment, unlock new economic opportunities, and cement the Northern Territory’s role as Australia’s gateway to the Indo-Pacific.
https://nt.gov.au/