Procurement reform program
The Northern Territory Government is modernising its procurement practices to foster a more business-friendly environment in the Northern Territory.
The changes aim to reduce red tape, making procurement more effective for both business and government and driving economic growth.
Procurement reforms – Tranche 1
In 2025, the NT Government introduced procurement reforms to reduce administrative barriers for low-value purchases and make it easier for government agencies to buy goods and services from local Territory businesses.
The reforms were developed through consultation with internal and external stakeholders, with changes being rolled out across 2025 and 2026.
While no legislative amendments are required at this stage, future adjustments may incorporate legislative changes as needed.
To read about the Tranche 1 changes, see the procurement reform program factsheet PDF (218.0 KB).
Proposed procurement reforms – Tranche 2
Building on the 2025 reforms, the NT Government is considering further changes to improve procurement processes, strengthen accountability and transparency and reduce administrative barriers for Territory businesses.
Proposed areas of reform include:
- publishing budget ranges with tenders to improve transparency
- improving guidance on the use of multi-stage tenders
- strengthening agency procurement compliance and reporting
- improving the Aboriginal Procurement Policy to better recognise and support Aboriginal employment
- increasing the use of tender negotiations to improve contract outcomes
- modernising liability arrangements to achieve a fairer balance of risk and reduce barriers for businesses.
The Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations is seeking feedback from Territory businesses, industry associations and other stakeholders on the proposed reforms.
Consultation closes 16 November 2026.
You can provide feedback by completing the online survey on the Have Your Say NT website.