NT Monthly Market Review November 2025

November saw sustained momentum across the Northern Territory labour market, with steady population growth, ongoing investment in community-driven initiatives and shifting employment patterns across both metropolitan and remote regions. Recruitment demand remains high in core industries, while major projects and regional reforms continue to shape workforce needs.

Labour Market Snapshot

The Territory’s population reached 263,417 in the 2025 March quarter, a 1.3% increase supported by rebounding interstate and international arrivals. Industry output for 2023-24 was led by Mining (29.6%), Public Administration (9.4%), Health Care (7.9%), Construction (5.7%) and Education & Training (4.5%). As of June 2025, NT business numbers grew by 416, totalling 16,796 active businesses. Employment rose to 144,296 in September (+1.4%), alongside an unemployment rate of 4.2% and a strong 72.6% participation rate. Business turnover jumped 11.3% year-on-year, reflecting solid trading conditions, while average weekly full-time earnings increased to $2,045 (+4.4%). Internet job vacancies also remain elevated, up 11.3% over the year.

Source: ABS, Labour force, Australia

Economic Impact of Major Projects Winding Down

Several major projects across the Territory are entering completion or transition phases, including sections of the Central Arnhem Road Upgrades and early construction activity linked to gas and pipeline works in the Beetaloo Sub-basin. As these projects wind down, demand for construction and engineering trades is easing, while new operational roles begin to emerge. Projects such as the Territory Energy Link and the recently approved Ammaroo Phosphate Project are moving into longer term development stages, shifting workforce needs toward maintenance, operations and technical support. Overall, the Territory’s project pipeline continues to provide stability, balancing short term slowdowns with new investment activity.

Remote Australia Employment Service Rollout

The rollout of the Remote Australia Employment Service continues to attract mixed responses across First Nation communities. Some local councils and service providers have raised concerns about the program’s funding model, potential reductions in support and uncertainty for organisations transitioning from previous employment programs. These concerns reflect the importance of ensuring remote job seekers receive adequate, culturally appropriate workforce assistance. Ongoing consultation will be key to the program’s success.

Expansion of the Indigenous Rangers Program

The Indigenous Rangers Program is preparing for significant expansion, with funding allocated to create 900 new ranger positions nationally. This growth is particularly relevant for the NT where ranger work plays a vital role in land management and provides one of the most stable employment pathways for remote First Nation communities. The expansion will support long term careers in conservation, cultural site protection and environmental monitoring and is expected to deliver positive social and economic impacts across the region.

Training and Skills Pipeline Boost

The Territory’s training and skills pipeline is strengthening through free TAFE initiatives that aim to address key workforce shortages. Tourism and hospitality operators remain short staffed as the peak travel season approaches; however, fee free TAFE has helped more job seekers transition into these industries. While the overall pipeline is improving, attracting and retaining workers in remote and regional locations continues to be a challenge. Long term investment in training, pathways and housing is expected to play a crucial role in workforce development.

Healthcare Pressures in Remote Communities

Healthcare services in remote communities continue to face workforce shortages and rising service demand. Many community-controlled health organisations report ongoing pressures due to under resourcing and challenges in attracting qualified staff. These issues lead to reduced service availability, heavier workloads for existing teams and widening gaps in preventative care. Workforce stability within the remote health sector remains a critical priority for both employment and community wellbeing.

Territory WorkerConnect Reaches One Million Job Searches

Territory WorkerConnect has reached a major milestone with over one million job searches logged on the platform. This level of activity reflects strong national and international interest in Northern Territory employment opportunities. It also highlights the high volume of workers actively exploring relocation or remote work options in the NT, further emphasising the competitive environment employers continue to face when trying to attract and retain talent.

Conclusion

Overall, November reinforced the Territory’s position as a labour market defined by growth, transition and ongoing demand across both metropolitan and remote regions. Strong population and business expansion, combined with renewed interest from job seekers through platforms like Territory WorkerConnect, continue to underpin employment momentum. At the same time, workforce pressures in remote health, shifts in major project activity and the rollout of new employment programs highlight the need for targeted investment and long-term workforce planning. As the Territory moves toward 2026, employers, communities and industry stakeholders will play a crucial role in shaping a resilient and sustainable labour market that can meet the needs of a rapidly evolving regional economy.

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