Charles Darwin University - A call to action for the next Northern Territory Government - Summary

Sep 15, 2026

A call to action for the next Northern Territory Government outlining Charles Darwin University’s priorities for education, training, research, and community impact. The document presents a roadmap for sustaining funding and strengthening pathways from school to vocational and degree education, including targeted support for remote and First Nations learners. It also details science engagement, First Nations leadership initiatives, and CDU’s role in economic opportunity through research partnerships, innovation, energy transition, and advanced manufacturing.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages24

Reading Time1 h 0 min

AccessFree to download

Vice-Chancellor’s Foreword

Introduction

Summary

Education and training that underpins economic growth

Engagement in Science as a catalyst

First Nations Leadership

CDU as an enabler of high-priority economic opportunity

CDU’s role in promoting the liveability of the NT

Infrastructure to meet a growing economy and an activated population

Snapshot of asks

Charles Darwin University A call to action for the next Northern Territory Government Contents Vice-Chancellor’s Foreword ....................................... 2 Introduction................................................................................ 3 Summary...................................................................................... 4 Education and training that underpins economic growth ......................................5 Engagement in Science as a catalyst ................9 First Nations Leadership ..............................................12 CDU as an enabler of high-priority economic opportunity....................................................13 CDU’s role in promoting the liveability of the NT .......................................................... 16 Infrastructure to meet a growing economy and an activated population ...........17 Snapshot of asks ................................................................20 Charles Darwin University A call to action for the next Northern Territory Government 1 Vice-Chancellor’s Foreword We are a deeply connected university and are very proud to work in partnership with First Nations peoples, our communities, industry and government. These partnerships allow Charles Darwin University (CDU) to be the Territory’s leading force in higher education and TAFE delivery. By delivering this call to action, we are showcasing one of our values-we are being courageous. We know these asks are courageous and we know they will require planning, commitment and partnering. But we also know, delivering on these proposals will show that weare investing in the future prosperity of the Territory. This call to action provides a roadmap drawing on our place and our people. It includes practical ideas – from major infrastructure revitalisation, to effective policy changes. It includes changes that we believe will support the liveability of the Northern Territory (NT) by investing in education, training and research. Maintaining strong connection and aligned strategic priorities with the next Northern Territory Government (NTG) will deliver positive outcomes for the Territory. Professor Scott Bowman AO Vice-Chancellor and President 2 Charles Darwin University A call to action for the next Northern Territory Government Introduction The next Northern Territory Government has an opportunity to put education, training and research atthe centre of the NT’s future. The purpose of this document is to set out a series of priorities that a future Government for the NT could adopt at the 2024 NT election for delivery in the next term of Government. CDU’s vision under our Strategic Plan, 2021-2026 is to be Australia’s most connected university by being courageous and making a difference in the NT, Australia and beyond. In advancing our Strategic Plan, CDU will always be the Territory’s University – best positioned to support the training, degree education and research needs of the NT and its people. Being a dual sector university, CDU has fought for the equal recognition and value placed on vocational and degree education. We meet needs of Territorians through campuses in Darwin, Alice Springs, Palmerston and Katherine and in study centres in Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek. CDU has a proud history of delivering on country in some of the NT’s most remote locations, bringing training to communities who need it in places such as Galiwin’ku, Maningrida, Borroloola, Wadeye and Hermannsburg. At the heart of CDU is to engage First Nations students and support their attainment of vocational and higher education. The NT spans approximately one sixth of Australia’s landmass and yet is home to just one per cent of the population, of whom 30 per cent are First Nations peoples. The NT can be at the forefront of national prosperity and CDU looks forward to working with the next NT Government. Charles Darwin University A call to actio

FAQs

What is the purpose of this call to action document?

It sets out priorities that a future NT Government could adopt following the 2024 NT election for delivery in the next term.

Which areas does CDU ask the next NT Government to support?

CDU requests support across six key areas: education that underpins economic growth, science engagement, First Nations leadership, economic opportunity, liveability, and infrastructure for a growing economy.

How does the document connect education and training to the Territory’s future growth?

It emphasizes intergenerational impact and highlights targeted funding and programs such as remote teacher education success, scholarships to retain students, and improved TAFE and VET-in-schools models.

Sep 15, 2026

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