Hello all,
February has reinforced a message I’ve been speaking about for some time now: opportunity is important, but delivery is what counts.
We can talk about pipelines, announcements and forecasts, but for Territory businesses, what ultimately matters is whether that activity turns into contracts on the ground, jobs for locals and long-term capability growth. That’s the lens I continue to apply to everything we do at ICN NT.
On that note, I’m pleased to formally welcome Shane Dignan to the ICN NT Board. Shane brings nearly 40 years of construction experience and a strong track record of delivering major Territory projects. His practical industry perspective will add value to our strategic direction as project activity continues to build.
Earlier this month, ICN NT delivered the 2026 Year Ahead event in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory. The Chief Minister, the Honourable Lia Finocchiaro MLA, outlined the Territory’s key projects and investment priorities for 2026 across defence, energy, agriculture, mining and tourism. During the event, in my speech I had the opportunity to reflect on the year just gone and the outlook ahead. From an industry perspective, the focus is now on delivery, ensuring major project activity translates into real work, capability growth and long-term value for Territory businesses.
Defence engagement was also front and centre this month. I travelled to Honolulu as part of a Northern Territory delegation for a defence teaming workshop. Key industry representatives from the Northern Territory included Jimmy Kiploks, General Manager Defence NT – Northern Territory Government; Steve Margetic, Managing Director, Sitzler; Shane Dignan, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, DCOH; Dick Guit, Chairman, Industry Capability Network (NT) and Member of the Chief Minister’s Defence Advisory Group; and SallyAnn Innes, Chief Executive Officer, Master Builders NT.
The workshop connected Australian prime contractors with United States defence partners. Discussions focused on the practical delivery of infrastructure projects in Australia, including commercial frameworks, workforce planning, environmental considerations, logistics and local industry participation. These conversations matter. We positioned the Northern Territory not just as a location for defence investment, but as a capable partner in delivering it.
On a local note, I’m honoured to have been nominated to the newly established Northern Territory Defence Industry Council. The council creates a clear forum to align government and industry, support local businesses to scale, and ensure Territory businesses are well-positioned to secure long-term jobs and opportunities from defence investment. Defence already plays a significant role in our economy, and nationally the sector continues to expand. Over the past decade, ICN NT has supported clients in facilitating more than $3 billion in defence-related projects across the Northern Territory.
Looking ahead, I will be travelling to Perth as part of the Northern Territory delegation to Energy Exchange Australia (EXA). As Australia’s leading oil, gas and energy supply chain event, EXA remains an important platform to promote Territory capability, strengthen relationships and ensure our businesses are visible in national and international markets.
As major project pipelines continue to build, I strongly encourage all businesses to review and update their ICN Gateway profiles. Accurate and current capability information is critical, as it allows us to advocate effectively on your behalf and match you to the right opportunities at the right time.
ICN NT’s focus remains unchanged: turning major project activity into real outcomes for Territory businesses.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel McCormick
Chief Executive Officer