The Northern Territory screen industry has experienced an incredible 386% growth over the past six years, contributing over $48 million to the local economy since 2018. This rapid expansion highlights the industry’s vital role in job creation, tourism, and cultural storytelling. However, despite this success, Screen Territory’s actual budget remains alarmingly low—around $500,000—with additional one-off funding bringing the total to just $2.4 million. This is far from sufficient to sustain and grow an industry that has proven its worth both economically and culturally.

Screen Territory is the lifeblood of local artists and filmmakers, an industry that I am personally involved with. Its financial support allows us to create, innovate, and share stories that are unique to our culture and experiences. However, potential funding cuts threaten to dismantle the very support system that has fuelled this incredible growth.

We must stop any decreases in funding and raise the base budget to a minimum of $3 million—ideally $5 million—to ensure sustainability and continued success.

To put this in perspective, Australia’s creative sector contributed $112.8 billion to the national GDP in 2019/2020, with film and video production accounting for $4.1 billion (ABS, 2020). The screen industry is a proven economic driver, and investing in it boosts the economy, fosters local employment, and preserves our rich storytelling traditions.

We cannot afford to let the momentum of NT’s screen industry stall due to inadequate funding. Please sign this petition to show your support for Screen Territory. Let’s protect local content creators, ensure our industry’s future, and contribute to the broader Australian economy.

People can send a letter of support directly to the Hon Marie-Clare Boothby, and the MLA for your constituency. I have their details if required, but they can also be found at: https://parliament.nt.gov.au/members/by-name

I also have template letters available and can send them to anyone who needs one.

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🚨 Budget Sittings Start Soon! 🚨

From 13–22 May, key budget discussions will take place, and we need to show that change is happening NOW! This is our chance to make sure the right adjustments are requested before the Estimates Committee Hearings on 10 June and the final budget decision on 19 June.

Let's keep pushing forward and make sure our voices are heard. Stay tuned for updates—every step counts! 💪🔥