From Potential to Prosperity: Securing Territory Participation in Major Projects
Tracks
MacDonnell Room B & C
| Thursday, August 6, 2026 |
| 4:05 PM - 4:25 PM |
| Concurrent Room 1 |
Overview
Hayley Richards, Northern Territory Government’s Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
Details
3 key learnings
1. An integrated approach is critical
2. Local participation drives long-term value
3. Strategic investment partnerships unlock growth
Speaker
Ms Hayley Richards
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Territory Government’s Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
From Potential to Prosperity: Securing Territory Participation in Major Projects
Presentation Overview
The Northern Territory is entering a confident new phase of economic growth, with local industry and businesses sitting at the forefront of connecting people, place and development to unlock enduring economic opportunity. This session explores how the Territory can translate ambition into intergenerational socio-economic impact by aligning workforce capability and capacity, local industry participation, policy settings and international investment.
Central to this vision is workforce development—ensuring the Territory builds a skilled, mobile and work-ready service and supply workforce that reflects the needs of investors, industry and the aspirations of Territorians. From place-based migration settings, and targeted training pipelines in priority sectors, to stronger pathways for regional participation, the focus is on creating a workforce that is not only capable, but anchored in place.
Equally important is strengthening local service and supply ecosystems. By growing the capacity and competitiveness of Territory industry and businesses, we can ensure that major projects deliver lasting economic value beyond construction phases. This includes securing local participation in major projects, and enabling small and medium enterprises to scale, innovate and connect into national and global supply chains.
The Territory Benefit Policy plays a pivotal role in this approach—embedding clear expectations for local participation, workforce outcomes, and regional engagement into major projects. It is a practical mechanism to ensure development delivers tangible benefits for local communities.
Finally, as Australia’s gateway to Asia, the Territory is uniquely positioned to attract and partner with global investors who share a long-term vision for sustainable growth. By aligning foreign investment with local priorities and capabilities, we can create mutually beneficial outcomes that strengthen resilience and prosperity.
Together, these pillars demonstrate how integrated policy and purposeful collaboration can transform the Northern Territory’s potential into generational prosperity.
Central to this vision is workforce development—ensuring the Territory builds a skilled, mobile and work-ready service and supply workforce that reflects the needs of investors, industry and the aspirations of Territorians. From place-based migration settings, and targeted training pipelines in priority sectors, to stronger pathways for regional participation, the focus is on creating a workforce that is not only capable, but anchored in place.
Equally important is strengthening local service and supply ecosystems. By growing the capacity and competitiveness of Territory industry and businesses, we can ensure that major projects deliver lasting economic value beyond construction phases. This includes securing local participation in major projects, and enabling small and medium enterprises to scale, innovate and connect into national and global supply chains.
The Territory Benefit Policy plays a pivotal role in this approach—embedding clear expectations for local participation, workforce outcomes, and regional engagement into major projects. It is a practical mechanism to ensure development delivers tangible benefits for local communities.
Finally, as Australia’s gateway to Asia, the Territory is uniquely positioned to attract and partner with global investors who share a long-term vision for sustainable growth. By aligning foreign investment with local priorities and capabilities, we can create mutually beneficial outcomes that strengthen resilience and prosperity.
Together, these pillars demonstrate how integrated policy and purposeful collaboration can transform the Northern Territory’s potential into generational prosperity.
Biography
Hayley Richards is Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations (DTBAR), leading initiatives across trade, investment, business, migration, international education and workforce development.
A highly regarded senior executive with experience across Australia, Asia and the United Kingdom, she is known for operating at the intersection of public policy and commercial outcomes. Her expertise spans project facilitation, industry development, and economic and environmental policy, with a strong focus on enabling investment and driving growth in emerging markets.
Hayley previously served as Executive Director of Economic and Environment Policy and played a pivotal role in establishing Investment Territory in 2019, advancing major projects across sectors including resources, agribusiness and tourism.
Prior to rejoining the Northern Territory Government, Hayley was Office Managing Partner for Ernst & Young in the Northern Territory, providing strategic and commercial advice across projects representing more than $30 billion in capital investment.
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) and is a passionate advocate for sustainable economic development that delivers long-term benefits for the Northern Territory.
