Latest news with #Territorians
West Australian
a day ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Fireworks on way to ensure Territory Day isn't a fizzer
A convoy of trucks is carting more than 100 tonnes of fireworks to ensure a territory's annual celebration of self-governance isn't a fizzer. For one day a year Northern Territorians are allowed to buy and set off their own fireworks to celebrate Territory Day, affectionately dubbed Cracker Night. But NSW authorities risked putting a dampener on the 2025 festivities after seizing the explosive cargo that was ordered for the big event on July 1. In the NT fireworks have become synonymous with the day that marks the anniversary of its self-government in 1978. Territorians are legally allowed to set them off for a five-hour period from 6pm on July 1. But the fireworks shipment had entered NSW unauthorised and was seized by the state's workplace safety watchdog, a NSW government spokesman confirmed on May 16. "While use of these fireworks is legal in the NT, they are not legal to sell and use in NSW," he said. To preserve the sparkling overhead display NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro went over the heads of state bureaucrats and engaged directly with NSW Premier Chris Minns and Queensland counterpart David Crisafulli. On Wednesday she confirmed negotiations had been successful and the trucks had left NSW bound for the NT via Queensland. "It's so important that Territorians get to celebrate their way, and not be held ransom by interstate decisions," she told NT News. "New South Wales and Queensland bureaucrats may have done their best to hold things up, but nothing gets in the way of Territory Day." She thanked the two state premiers for their help. In 2024, a 23-year-old man severed his arm and a 58-year-old man suffered an injury to his groin in a fireworks mishap, among a series of Territory Day incidents.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Fireworks on way to ensure Territory Day isn't a fizzer
A convoy of trucks is carting more than 100 tonnes of fireworks to ensure a territory's annual celebration of self-governance isn't a fizzer. For one day a year Northern Territorians are allowed to buy and set off their own fireworks to celebrate Territory Day, affectionately dubbed Cracker Night. But NSW authorities risked putting a dampener on the 2025 festivities after seizing the explosive cargo that was ordered for the big event on July 1. In the NT fireworks have become synonymous with the day that marks the anniversary of its self-government in 1978. Territorians are legally allowed to set them off for a five-hour period from 6pm on July 1. But the fireworks shipment had entered NSW unauthorised and was seized by the state's workplace safety watchdog, a NSW government spokesman confirmed on May 16. "While use of these fireworks is legal in the NT, they are not legal to sell and use in NSW," he said. To preserve the sparkling overhead display NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro went over the heads of state bureaucrats and engaged directly with NSW Premier Chris Minns and Queensland counterpart David Crisafulli. On Wednesday she confirmed negotiations had been successful and the trucks had left NSW bound for the NT via Queensland. "It's so important that Territorians get to celebrate their way, and not be held ransom by interstate decisions," she told NT News. "New South Wales and Queensland bureaucrats may have done their best to hold things up, but nothing gets in the way of Territory Day." She thanked the two state premiers for their help. In 2024, a 23-year-old man severed his arm and a 58-year-old man suffered an injury to his groin in a fireworks mishap, among a series of Territory Day incidents.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Claims waterfront funds were misused are rejected
Claims public funds were misused at a popular waterfront precinct where a territory chief minister's husband is a senior executive have been rejected by a parliamentary committee. Conflict of interest allegations involving the Darwin Waterfront Corporation were referred to the Northern Territory parliament's public accounts committee by Opposition Leader Selena Uibo in May. She said under parliamentary privilege that among the claims was the "alleged creation of a made-up, part-time job for Mr Sam Burke", the waterfront corporation's deputy chief executive. Mr Burke, the husband of Chief Minister Lia Finocchario, has worked at the corporation since 2016. Ms Uibo said his the role was "reportedly unadvertised" and allegedly resulted in a $60,000 salary increase through a temporary higher duties allowance. The allegations were too serious and the public money involved too significant to be "swept under the rug", she told parliament. The waterfront corporation is a statutory authority set up by the NT government to control one of the Top End's most popular recreational precincts, including a wave lagoon, beaches, parks, restaurants and bars. Ms Uibo also referred to reports of public service rules being repeatedly breached, roles not advertised, promotions bypassing merit-based reviews and job evaluation processes ignored to benefit certain individuals. But Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the Public Accounts Committee had found there was "absolutely no case to answer", with the public now questioning Ms Uibo's integrity and judgment. "The current leader of the opposition used parliamentary privilege to smear public servants with baseless allegations," Ms Boothby said in a statement on Tuesday night. She said Ms Uibo owed public servants and all Territorians an apology after making "baseless claims". "I dread to think how much taxpayer's money was wasted by the opposition slinging mud at public servants," she said. The waterfront corporation has denied any wrongdoing, saying in a statement it was audited annually by the NT auditor-general who had found "no evidence to support any finding of financial or governance misconduct". Ms Uibo's office has been contacted for comment. Claims public funds were misused at a popular waterfront precinct where a territory chief minister's husband is a senior executive have been rejected by a parliamentary committee. Conflict of interest allegations involving the Darwin Waterfront Corporation were referred to the Northern Territory parliament's public accounts committee by Opposition Leader Selena Uibo in May. She said under parliamentary privilege that among the claims was the "alleged creation of a made-up, part-time job for Mr Sam Burke", the waterfront corporation's deputy chief executive. Mr Burke, the husband of Chief Minister Lia Finocchario, has worked at the corporation since 2016. Ms Uibo said his the role was "reportedly unadvertised" and allegedly resulted in a $60,000 salary increase through a temporary higher duties allowance. The allegations were too serious and the public money involved too significant to be "swept under the rug", she told parliament. The waterfront corporation is a statutory authority set up by the NT government to control one of the Top End's most popular recreational precincts, including a wave lagoon, beaches, parks, restaurants and bars. Ms Uibo also referred to reports of public service rules being repeatedly breached, roles not advertised, promotions bypassing merit-based reviews and job evaluation processes ignored to benefit certain individuals. But Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the Public Accounts Committee had found there was "absolutely no case to answer", with the public now questioning Ms Uibo's integrity and judgment. "The current leader of the opposition used parliamentary privilege to smear public servants with baseless allegations," Ms Boothby said in a statement on Tuesday night. She said Ms Uibo owed public servants and all Territorians an apology after making "baseless claims". "I dread to think how much taxpayer's money was wasted by the opposition slinging mud at public servants," she said. The waterfront corporation has denied any wrongdoing, saying in a statement it was audited annually by the NT auditor-general who had found "no evidence to support any finding of financial or governance misconduct". Ms Uibo's office has been contacted for comment. Claims public funds were misused at a popular waterfront precinct where a territory chief minister's husband is a senior executive have been rejected by a parliamentary committee. Conflict of interest allegations involving the Darwin Waterfront Corporation were referred to the Northern Territory parliament's public accounts committee by Opposition Leader Selena Uibo in May. She said under parliamentary privilege that among the claims was the "alleged creation of a made-up, part-time job for Mr Sam Burke", the waterfront corporation's deputy chief executive. Mr Burke, the husband of Chief Minister Lia Finocchario, has worked at the corporation since 2016. Ms Uibo said his the role was "reportedly unadvertised" and allegedly resulted in a $60,000 salary increase through a temporary higher duties allowance. The allegations were too serious and the public money involved too significant to be "swept under the rug", she told parliament. The waterfront corporation is a statutory authority set up by the NT government to control one of the Top End's most popular recreational precincts, including a wave lagoon, beaches, parks, restaurants and bars. Ms Uibo also referred to reports of public service rules being repeatedly breached, roles not advertised, promotions bypassing merit-based reviews and job evaluation processes ignored to benefit certain individuals. But Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the Public Accounts Committee had found there was "absolutely no case to answer", with the public now questioning Ms Uibo's integrity and judgment. "The current leader of the opposition used parliamentary privilege to smear public servants with baseless allegations," Ms Boothby said in a statement on Tuesday night. She said Ms Uibo owed public servants and all Territorians an apology after making "baseless claims". "I dread to think how much taxpayer's money was wasted by the opposition slinging mud at public servants," she said. The waterfront corporation has denied any wrongdoing, saying in a statement it was audited annually by the NT auditor-general who had found "no evidence to support any finding of financial or governance misconduct". Ms Uibo's office has been contacted for comment. Claims public funds were misused at a popular waterfront precinct where a territory chief minister's husband is a senior executive have been rejected by a parliamentary committee. Conflict of interest allegations involving the Darwin Waterfront Corporation were referred to the Northern Territory parliament's public accounts committee by Opposition Leader Selena Uibo in May. She said under parliamentary privilege that among the claims was the "alleged creation of a made-up, part-time job for Mr Sam Burke", the waterfront corporation's deputy chief executive. Mr Burke, the husband of Chief Minister Lia Finocchario, has worked at the corporation since 2016. Ms Uibo said his the role was "reportedly unadvertised" and allegedly resulted in a $60,000 salary increase through a temporary higher duties allowance. The allegations were too serious and the public money involved too significant to be "swept under the rug", she told parliament. The waterfront corporation is a statutory authority set up by the NT government to control one of the Top End's most popular recreational precincts, including a wave lagoon, beaches, parks, restaurants and bars. Ms Uibo also referred to reports of public service rules being repeatedly breached, roles not advertised, promotions bypassing merit-based reviews and job evaluation processes ignored to benefit certain individuals. But Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the Public Accounts Committee had found there was "absolutely no case to answer", with the public now questioning Ms Uibo's integrity and judgment. "The current leader of the opposition used parliamentary privilege to smear public servants with baseless allegations," Ms Boothby said in a statement on Tuesday night. She said Ms Uibo owed public servants and all Territorians an apology after making "baseless claims". "I dread to think how much taxpayer's money was wasted by the opposition slinging mud at public servants," she said. The waterfront corporation has denied any wrongdoing, saying in a statement it was audited annually by the NT auditor-general who had found "no evidence to support any finding of financial or governance misconduct". Ms Uibo's office has been contacted for comment.
Courier-Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News. Cricket fever is ramping up in the NT with tickets going live for the return of the international game in August, as two drop-in wickets have been installed at TIO Stadium. International cricket was last played in Darwin 17 years ago when Australia took on Bangladesh, but this year the team finally returns for two blockbuster T20s against South Africa. Fans will have the chance to book the best seats in the house for the matches on August 10 and 12 at Ticketek with thousands already expressing interest on pre-sales. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $5 for children and $43 for families of four. Prior to that series the Australia A side, featuring Territorian Jake Weatherald, will take centre stage against Sri Lanka in July. The Australia A series will feature three 50-over games and two four-day matches, with free entry for general public attendance and all matches streamed live on Kayo Sports and People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls and Jake Weatherald as TIO Stadium's drop-in pitch is laid down. Weatherald was the leading run scorer in the Sheffield Shield with 906 runs and is the all-time leading run scorer for the Adelaide Strikers, with recent exposure to TIO at last year's Top End Series. 'I'm just immensely proud to be a Territorian and get to play for Australia in some facet, it's going to be cool to play on the ground as it's such a great facility,' he said. 'I watched test cricket here long ago when I was a young kid so to be back here representing myself is a critical moment for me. 'The stuff that has been done to support the growth of NT cricket is exciting and to have the teams coming that we do will be cool for Territorians to see, they've been starving for a long time now. 'For young Territorians it's good representation of what you can aspire to be, you don't always get that so hopefully it inspires a lot of kids to play more cricket and aspire to play for Australia.' People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls and NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey as TIO Stadium's drop-in pitch is laid down. NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said it was an exciting year for the sport in the Top End following the recent visit from the Australian women's side. 'The installation of the two drop in wickets marks a significant milestone in the return of international cricket,' he said. 'International cricket offers the Territory a platform few sports can rival, thanks to its huge global audience and economic impact. 'Closer to home, cricket sits at the heart of Australia's national identity, so we can't wait to see a packed out TIO Stadium in August.' People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls said the drop-in pitches was a critical step toward delivering world-class matches to the NT. 'In our year of action, certainty and security, we're incredibly proud to welcome international cricket back to the Territory and demonstrate that Darwin has the capability to host world-class sporting events,' he said. People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls, Major Events minister Marie-Clare Boothby, NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey and Jake Weatherald as TIO Stadium's drop-in pitch is laid down. Major Events, Tourism and Hospitality minister Marie-Clare Boothby said major sporting events like international cricket provide a real boost to the Top End. 'Major events like the Australia v South Africa T20s bring huge energy to our region, boosting tourism, business and community pride,' she said. 'We are proud our government has brought back international cricket to the NT for the first time in 17 years. 'Events like this draw fans from across the country, and we look forward to seeing supporters from near and far pack TIO Stadium.' Originally published as Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
Herald Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Herald Sun
Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News. Cricket fever is ramping up in the NT with tickets going live for the return of the international game in August, as two drop-in wickets have been installed at TIO Stadium. International cricket was last played in Darwin 17 years ago when Australia took on Bangladesh, but this year the team finally returns for two blockbuster T20s against South Africa. Fans will have the chance to book the best seats in the house for the matches on August 10 and 12 at Ticketek with thousands already expressing interest on pre-sales. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $5 for children and $43 for families of four. Prior to that series the Australia A side, featuring Territorian Jake Weatherald, will take centre stage against Sri Lanka in July. The Australia A series will feature three 50-over games and two four-day matches, with free entry for general public attendance and all matches streamed live on Kayo Sports and Weatherald was the leading run scorer in the Sheffield Shield with 906 runs and is the all-time leading run scorer for the Adelaide Strikers, with recent exposure to TIO at last year's Top End Series. 'I'm just immensely proud to be a Territorian and get to play for Australia in some facet, it's going to be cool to play on the ground as it's such a great facility,' he said. 'I watched test cricket here long ago when I was a young kid so to be back here representing myself is a critical moment for me. 'The stuff that has been done to support the growth of NT cricket is exciting and to have the teams coming that we do will be cool for Territorians to see, they've been starving for a long time now. 'For young Territorians it's good representation of what you can aspire to be, you don't always get that so hopefully it inspires a lot of kids to play more cricket and aspire to play for Australia.' NT Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said it was an exciting year for the sport in the Top End following the recent visit from the Australian women's side. 'The installation of the two drop in wickets marks a significant milestone in the return of international cricket,' he said. 'International cricket offers the Territory a platform few sports can rival, thanks to its huge global audience and economic impact. 'Closer to home, cricket sits at the heart of Australia's national identity, so we can't wait to see a packed out TIO Stadium in August.' People, Sport and Culture minister Jinson Charls said the drop-in pitches was a critical step toward delivering world-class matches to the NT. 'In our year of action, certainty and security, we're incredibly proud to welcome international cricket back to the Territory and demonstrate that Darwin has the capability to host world-class sporting events,' he said. Major Events, Tourism and Hospitality minister Marie-Clare Boothby said major sporting events like international cricket provide a real boost to the Top End. 'Major events like the Australia v South Africa T20s bring huge energy to our region, boosting tourism, business and community pride,' she said. 'We are proud our government has brought back international cricket to the NT for the first time in 17 years. 'Events like this draw fans from across the country, and we look forward to seeing supporters from near and far pack TIO Stadium.' Originally published as Drop-in pitches laid down as international cricket to return to Darwin for first time in 17 years
