NT Monthly Market Review December 2025

December saw the Northern Territory labour market remain strong despite the usual holiday slowdown. Employment and participation stayed high, while investment in training and community-based programs continued to support both metropolitan and remote regions. As recruitment activity rebounds in early 2026, the Territory looks set for a busy start to the year with ongoing opportunities across key sectors.

Labour Market Snapshot

Employment in the Northern Territory rose by 1.4% in December 2025 to 147,139, with full-time roles increasing 1.5% and part-time roles up 0.9%. This was the second strongest result among jurisdictions, compared with a national increase of 0.4% and reflects a 3.4% rise over the year. The Territory’s unemployment rate declined 0.4% to 3.9%, slightly above the national rate of 4.1%, while the participation rate reached 73.5%, the highest of any jurisdiction and 6.8% above the national average. These figures demonstrate strong labour market engagement and ongoing growth across both full- and part-time employment, reinforcing the Territory’s resilient workforce heading into 2026.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour force, Australia

Job Ad Vacancies Down in December

Internet job vacancies declined in the Territory by 0.4% in December, reflecting typical seasonal patterns as recruitment activity slows during the holiday period. Employers across the Territory tend to pause advertising in late December, particularly in professional services, construction and administration roles. This decline is not considered a signal of weakening demand, with early indicators suggesting recruitment activity will rebound strongly as the holiday period concludes. Historically, January and February deliver a surge in job vacancies across both Darwin and regional NT markets.

NTPS Enterprise Agreement Progress and Public-Sector Employment Conditions

Negotiations for the NT Public Sector Enterprise Agreement continued through December, with discussions focusing on pay outcomes, conditions and workforce sustainability. As one of the Territory’s largest employers, NTPS employment conditions play a significant role in shaping broader labour market expectations. With inflation continuing to impact household costs, public-sector wage outcomes remain closely watched by workers and employers alike, particularly in health, education and frontline service roles where retention pressures remain elevated.

$35 Million Investment to Boost First Nations Training and VET Participation

A $35 million investment announced in December aims to significantly increase First Nations participation in training and vocational education across the Territory. The funding targets improved access to culturally appropriate training pathways, industry-aligned programs and stronger employment transitions. This investment is expected to support workforce development across key sectors including construction, care services, land management and tourism, particularly in remote and regional communities where training access has historically been limited.

Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program Outcomes for Arnhem Land

Newly released outcomes from the Remote Jobs and Economic Development Program highlight positive employment impacts across Arnhem Land communities. The program has supported job creation aligned with local priorities, including community services, ranger programs, cultural enterprises and infrastructure maintenance. These outcomes reinforce the value of place-based employment models that strengthen local economies while delivering meaningful and sustainable work opportunities in remote regions.

Building a Remote Nutrition Workforce in First Nations Communities

Efforts to build a remote nutrition workforce gained momentum in December, with targeted initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes while creating employment pathways in First Nations communities. The program focuses on training local workers to deliver nutrition, food security and preventative health services, addressing both workforce shortages and community wellbeing. Demand for skilled workers in this space continues to grow as health services seek culturally informed, locally based staff.

Corrections-Led Employment Pathways and Training Programs

The NT Government’s Industries, Skills and Employment initiative is helping transform time in custody into pathways for education, training and real employment. Programs like ‘Sentenced to a Job 2.0’ and ‘Sentenced to a Skill’ provide skills development, job placement and mentoring for participants, including women, youth, CALD groups and remote Aboriginal communities. With $2.1 million invested in 2025, the initiative creates workforce-ready employees in sectors facing skill shortages, while reducing recidivism and strengthening community safety across the Territory.

Leadership Change at ALPA and Implications for Training and Employment

The announcement of a leadership transition at the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation marks a significant moment for one of the Territory’s largest Indigenous employers. ALPA plays a critical role in employment and economic participation across Arnhem Land communities. While leadership changes often bring a period of adjustment, the organisation’s strong foundations suggest continued focus on workforce development, retail employment, apprenticeships and community-based career pathways.

Major Changes to How and When Employers Must Pay Superannuation

From 1 July 2026, employers must pay superannuation with wages or within seven days under the new Payday Super reforms. The changes aim to prevent late or unpaid contributions and give the ATO real-time visibility through Single Touch Payroll. Stronger penalties will apply for non-compliance and small businesses will need to replace the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House to ensure payments are processed correctly.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, the employment outlook for the Northern Territory in 2026 remains generally positive and resilient. Persistent demand across the care economy, public services, infrastructure development and key resource sectors is expected to support ongoing job creation. As the holiday period ends, recruitment activity is anticipated to lift, bringing increased job vacancies and career opportunities across regional and remote regions. However, with inflation continuing to influence cost-of-living pressures, candidates are becoming increasingly pay-conscious, placing greater emphasis on competitive salary offerings, flexible conditions and broader reward packages. Employers who adapt to these expectations are likely to be best positioned to attract and retain talent in the year ahead.

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To connect with employment opportunities across Arnhem Land, one of Australia’s most unique, remote and culturally rich regions, visit JobsinArnhemLand.au.