Developing the North Is Not Just a Catchphrase; It is About Our People, Communities and Our Future
Tracks
Concurrent Room 1
Concurrent Room 2
Concurrent Room 3
Concurrent Room 4
| Wednesday, August 5, 2026 |
| 11:10 AM - 11:40 AM |
Overview
Hon. Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari
Speaker
The Honourable Marion Scrymgour MP
Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia, Member for Lingiari
Developing the North Is Not Just a Catchphrase; It is About Our People, Communities and Our Future
Presentation Overview
Northern Australia is undergoing a period of sharp focus, sitting on the edge of a significant transformation. It is a region with immense potential and one which is attracting substantial national attention and significant investment interests.
Emerging industries present real opportunities. Industries such as our critical minerals and renewable energy, our pristine and unique natural environment, strategic location, and major infrastructure and resource projects – all provide opportunities to economically transform the North.
We must remain laser focused on the translation of this economic momentum into long term, tangible outcomes for the people who live there. Our communities are not just stakeholders; they are the very bedrock of how we move forward in Northern Australia.
Their long-term success depends on development that is locally informed, culturally sensitive, and shaped through genuine partnership.
We must also acknowledge that much of the development and growth that is taking place is under Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and interests. This means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be equal partners in the co-design of projects and recognised as economic beneficiaries. Development that ignores people, place, and culture will never endure. But when all levels of governments and industry listen, respect and respond to local knowledge, and work alongside communities as equal partners and not spectators, progress becomes both possible and legitimate.
The choices made now will shape the North for decades to come. The future fabric of the North cannot be delivered by announcements or agreements alone—it must be built through trust, consistency, and shared responsibility.
Emerging industries present real opportunities. Industries such as our critical minerals and renewable energy, our pristine and unique natural environment, strategic location, and major infrastructure and resource projects – all provide opportunities to economically transform the North.
We must remain laser focused on the translation of this economic momentum into long term, tangible outcomes for the people who live there. Our communities are not just stakeholders; they are the very bedrock of how we move forward in Northern Australia.
Their long-term success depends on development that is locally informed, culturally sensitive, and shaped through genuine partnership.
We must also acknowledge that much of the development and growth that is taking place is under Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and interests. This means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must be equal partners in the co-design of projects and recognised as economic beneficiaries. Development that ignores people, place, and culture will never endure. But when all levels of governments and industry listen, respect and respond to local knowledge, and work alongside communities as equal partners and not spectators, progress becomes both possible and legitimate.
The choices made now will shape the North for decades to come. The future fabric of the North cannot be delivered by announcements or agreements alone—it must be built through trust, consistency, and shared responsibility.
Biography
Marion Scrymgour is the Labor Member for the Federal Electorate of Lingiari. The seat of Lingiari covers all of the NT outside of Darwin and Palmerston and includes the Indian Ocean Territories of Christmas and Cocos/Keeling Islands. Lingiari covers a vast swathe of Northern Australia (almost 1.3 million square kilometres) and comprises remote communities, and the urban centres along the Stuart Highway. It is a true reflection of the diversity of Northern Australia.
Marion was elected in May 2022, and in 2025 was appointed by the Prime Minister as the Special Envoy for Remote Communities. She also serves as the Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia which is currently leading an inquiry into emerging industries in Northern Australia.
Marion was raised in Darwin with her 11 siblings and extended family. She has cultural links to the Tiwi Islands through her mother, and Anmatjere Central Australia through her father. Throughout her career, Marion has often been the first Aboriginal woman in many rooms. She was the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, the first Aboriginal woman to lead a land council, and the first Aboriginal person to preside over the Federal Parliament.
Prior to politics Marion worked in the community health-sector, helping establish organisations such as Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Corporation and the Katherine West Health Board. She has previously served on the board of the Australian Red Cross and has led organisations such as the Tiwi Islands Regional Council and the Northern Land Council as CEO. From 2001-2012 Marion was a Member of the Northern Territory Parliament, including serving as Deputy Chief Minister.
In 2013 Marion was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences by the University of Sydney. Marion also completed studies in corporate governance that same year and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Marion cares strongly about the Northern Territory and works to make sure our towns and communities get their fair share from the Federal Government.
