The Country Liberal Party (CLP) government in the Northern Territory, led by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental and Indigenous advocates for its populist, pro-development policies. These groups describe the agenda as a 'mini Trump-style experiment' that marginalizes vulnerable communities and prioritizes fossil fuel expansion over climate resilience.
Child Protection Law Changes Face Widespread Opposition
In a significant development, proposed amendments to the NT's child protection laws have met with overwhelming opposition from experts, including the children's commissioner, Shahleena Musk, a Larrakia woman. Musk revealed she was given only one week to review the draft laws, which include removing the decades-old Aboriginal child placement principle. The opposition spokesperson for child protection, Chansey Paech, an Arrente, Arabana and Gurindji man, stated that the changes are 'driven by ideology' and use the law to control Aboriginal families instead of investing in services that keep them safe.
Climate Resilience Plan Prioritizes Fracking
The government's Climate Resilience Plan, released this month, lists accelerating gas production from the Beetaloo Basin as its first priority. This move has been condemned by environmental groups. Hannah Ekin, fracking campaign coordinator at The Arid Lands Environment Centre, expressed dismay: 'I couldn't believe seeing the accelerating of a new gas development as the number one priority in the Climate Resilience Plan.' She noted the absurdity given the territory's recent severe floods, exacerbated by climate change.
Rollback of Environmental Protections
Since taking office 22 months ago, the Finocchiaro government has scrapped the NT's renewable energy target of 50% by 2030, abandoned a promise to implement an emissions reduction target of 43% by 2030, and eliminated the merits review process for petroleum projects and water licences. It also revoked a policy requiring large emitters to develop greenhouse gas abatement plans. In 2025, Finocchiaro appointed Stuart Knowles, former general manager of Japanese gas giant Inpex, as territory coordinator, a role with authority to override 32 territory laws to fast-track developments.
Concerns Over Anti-Democratic and Racist Policies
Kirsty Howey, executive director of the Environment Centre NT, described the government's approach as 'anti-democratic' and a 'constant stream of populist policies that have disproportionately affected First Nations communities but also profited big business including gas companies.' She warned that the NT may be a harbinger for similar policies across Australia, given the rise of One Nation.
Justice System Reforms Criticized
The CLP lowered the age of criminal responsibility back to 10 years old, strengthened bail laws, and introduced boot camps for young people on bail. Ben Grimes, chief executive of the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (Naaja), said the government has shown 'a consistent pattern of not engaging' with Aboriginal organisations. Naaja was not consulted on changes to child protection, bail, or housing legislation. Grimes noted that 'tough on crime' approaches have 'been tried and failed before,' leading to longer remand times and court backlogs due to cuts to legal aid.
Sacred Sites Act Amendments Bypass Traditional Owners
Aboriginal land councils have criticized amendments to the Sacred Sites Act, which allow new developers to be added to authority certificates without further consultation with traditional custodians. The first use of these laws was for a proposed high-rise waterfront hotel in Darwin, later scrapped by the developer. Warren Williams, chair of the Central Land Council, accused the government of 'treating them like children' in a 'tick-a-box' meeting.
Ekin summarized the government's approach as one that 'bulldozes through, doesn't respect evidence, and doesn't care what communities think.' The NT government was contacted for comment but did not respond.
