List of Recommendations

Recommendation 1

3.8
The committee recommends that the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund (NAIF) work closely with project proponents to ensure milestones are achieved and the drawdown of funds occurs as quickly as is commercially required.

Recommendation 2

3.9
The committee recommends that the legislation giving effect to reforms recommended by the Statutory Review of the NAIF be prioritised by the Australian Government in 2021.

Recommendation 3

3.17
The committee recommends that the Australian Government consider converting part of the NAIF to a combination of small grants, equity stakes and guarantees, supported by rigorous guidelines including caps on funding and business size, to ensure that small scale projects and First Nations projects are adequately supported.

Recommendation 4

3.18
The committee recommends that the NAIF further develop linkages with other government programs and funds that are available for building capacity among proponents of small or First Nations led projects to meet NAIF’s administrative requirements, including funds to support early explorative work and feasibility studies.

Recommendation 5

3.21
The committee recommends that the Australian Government require project proponents to produce and publish a local procurement and employment strategy in line with and in addition to the Indigenous Engagement Strategy.

Recommendation 6

3.25
The committee recommends that the Australian Government conduct a review to determine which industries have been impacted by COVD-19 and prioritise projects within those industries.

Recommendation 7

3.29
The committee recommends that the NAIF review its policy regarding staff remuneration, to better link the payment of bonuses to funds being drawn from the facility.

Recommendation 8

3.34
The committee recommends that the NAIF increase its transparency and accountability measures to account for changes recommended in the NAIF review, including publishing its conflict of interest decisions, and ensuring the decision-making process for projects are publicly available.

Recommendation 9

3.36
The committee recommends that the Advisory Group on Northern Australia provide an update on their five-year plan for Northern Australia development, and a timeline as to when the plan will be released.

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Past Public Hearings

12 Mar 2021: South Townsville
11 Feb 2021: CANBERRA ACT and via videoconference
10 Feb 2021: CANBERRA ACT and via videoconference