Librarians offered incentives to move to NT as part of $50m government strategy

29 August 2018 Books+Publishing

The Northern Territory government has announced a new initiative to increase the population of the NT, seeking to create 21,000 jobs and add $10 billion to the economy over the next decade, reports ABC News.

‘Librarian’ is on the list of high-priority occupations that are being offered financial incentives to migrate to the NT, alongside a range of occupations including general practitioner, pilot and hairdresser. The government has also identified ‘early career women’ as one of its key target demographics.

The government strategy will provide financial assistance to people in high-priority jobs, including $3000 to individuals, $6000 to couples and $7000 to families. New arrivals to the Territory will also be eligible for a $1250 local benefit bonus to spend in the first two years of their residency on car and license registration, childcare and local businesses, and people who make it to the five-year mark will then become eligible for another cash payment.

The NT government aims to increase the Territory’s population growth rate to 1.4 percent, more than double the current growth rate of 0.6 percent, which requires attracting or retaining 2600 people per year.

The financial incentives are one part of the $50 million population strategy, which also includes the re-branding of the state with the slogan ‘Boundless Possible’, in an attempt combat negative perceptions of the NT that may be deterring potential new residents.

Category: Library news