On 23 November 2010, the Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Mr Chris Bowen, together with Northern Territory (NT) MP Mr Rob Knight, announced the commencement of the much anticipated Northern Territory State Migration Plan.

This plan is an official agreement between the Northern Territory government and the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, which stipulates an overall number of immigration applicants that the Northern Territory can nominate, as well as in which occupations these sponsored skilled migrants can work.

Each Australian State and Territory is required to enact its own individual State Migration Plan. These are expected to “…help support the Australian economy by attracting skilled migrants who can positively contribute to our workforce,” stated Mr Chris Bowen, “(and) provide flexibility for state and territory governments to nominate skilled migrants in a broader range of occupations than are currently offered on the Skilled Occupation List.”

MP Rob Knight expressed his satisfaction with the newly implemented Northern Territory State Migration Plan, noting that it allows for the specific targeting of skills that are in demand in the Northern Territory. “This plan recognises that skill needs in the Northern Territory are different to those needed in other states and territories.”

Mr Knight also noted that the Northern Territory’s new State Migration Plan will help to meet expected future labor needs of the Northern Territory. “The Northern Territory has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Australia and is competing nationally for talent. As well as growing our own skilled workers and targeting skilled workers from interstate, we still need more (overseas) skilled workers to meet future demand.”

The Northern Territory State Migration Plan is now the third State to release its State Migration Plan along with Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.  These States are all now accepting State Sponsorship applications under their respective State Migration Plans. 

South Australia has also announced details of those occupations available for State Sponsorship under their intended State Migration Plan but are yet to formally sign their State Migration Plan with the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship .