NT Monthly Market Review June 2026

June 2026 shows continued strength in the Northern Territory labour market, with record employment and the highest participation rate in Australia. Growth is being supported by construction, investment, and regional workforce programs, alongside ongoing pressures from wage growth, compliance, and energy sector disruption.

Labour Market Snapshot

Employment in the Northern Territory increased by 0.7% in May 2026 to 150,136 people, reaching the highest employment level on record. Growth was driven by increases in both part-time employment (up 1.6%) and full-time employment (up 0.4%). The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.5%, while the participation rate increased to 74.1%, the highest of any jurisdiction and 7.4% above the national average. These results highlight continued workforce engagement and strong employment momentum across the Territory.

Source: Department of TREASURY AND FINANCE, released 25 June 2026

NT Jobs Reach Record High as Workforce Growth Accelerates

The Northern Territory has reached a record employment milestone, with the number of employed Territorians surpassing 150,000 for the first time. Latest ABS data shows employment grew by 3.3% over the year to May 2026, almost three times the national employment growth rate of 1.3% and the strongest result of any jurisdiction. The increase highlights continued workforce momentum across the Territory, supported by business activity and investment.

Construction and Investment Sectors Drive NT Employment Growth

Construction and investment activity continue to support employment growth across the Northern Territory, with engineering construction work increasing by 18% to $347 million in the year to the March quarter. Major projects including the Beetaloo gas project, Arafura rare-earths development, and Northern Marine Complex are driving demand for skilled workers across trades, engineering, logistics, and support services.

New Indigenous Protected Area Agreement Creates Conservation and Employment Opportunities

A new Indigenous Protected Area agreement in south central Arnhem Land will protect 1.6 million hectares of Country managed by Traditional Owners. The Mimal Indigenous Protected Area builds on decades of ranger and land management work, creating ongoing opportunities in conservation, cultural management, and local employment while supporting environmental protection and community development.

Inpex Industrial Action Raises Workforce and Energy Sector Concerns

Industrial action at Inpex’s Ichthys LNG facility in Darwin has escalated to the Fair Work Commission as the company seeks to stop planned strike action. The dispute relates to pay and conditions, with potential risks for LNG production, energy supply stability, and wider workforce confidence across the Territory’s resources sector.

New Leadership at Land Development Corporation to Drive Growth

The Land Development Corporation (LDC) has appointed its first female CEO, Ms Hannah Barraza, marking a strategic reset to strengthen its focus on housing supply, regional development, and enabling investment across the Territory. The reset will see LDC take a more targeted role in delivering industrial land, supporting infrastructure, and complementing private sector activity to support future workforce and economic growth.

East Arnhem Community Jobs Through Local Infrastructure Projects

The NT Government is supporting Canteen Creek with a new apprenticeship program designed to create local jobs and build community capacity. A government housing property has been handed over to the Canteen Creek Owairtilla Aboriginal Corporation to support a trade-qualified worker who will mentor apprentices and help deliver housing maintenance work, creating employment pathways, and strengthening local skills development.

CDU Wage Dispute Highlights Importance of Workforce Compliance

Charles Darwin University has entered an enforceable undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman after underpaying more than 800 staff by over $4 million. The matter has triggered further payroll reviews and audits, highlighting the importance of strong payroll systems and compliance across large employers.

Annual Wage Review Impacts Employer Workforce Planning

The 2026 Annual Wage Review will see the National Minimum Wage and minimum award wages increase from 1 July 2026, with minimum award wages rising by 4.75%. The changes will impact employer payroll costs and workforce planning, particularly for businesses already managing increased operating expenses. For Northern Territory employers, balancing competitive wages with sustainable business operations will remain an important focus as they continue to attract and retain skilled workers across urban and remote regions.

Conclusion

The June Review highlights a strong but complex labour market, with record employment and sustained investment balanced against workforce and cost pressures. The Territory is expected to remain resilient, with ongoing demand for skilled workers across both urban and remote regions, including Arnhem Land.

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