5.  PPP project governance

Each potential Northern Territory PPP project will be nominated and overseen by the relevant portfolio minister who will also be part of progressive Cabinet approval processes. Procuring agencies have primary responsibility for management and implementation of PPP projects.

The NT Treasury is the relevant PPP authority as defined in the national PPP guidelines. NT Treasury has responsibility for monitoring and independently advising the Treasurer and Cabinet on significant PPP issues.

Senior representatives of NT Treasury, the Department of Justice and-where appropriate-other agencies such as the Department of the Chief Minister, are to be members of the PPP project steering committee. NT Treasury is also to be represented at project working group level.

Procuring agencies are to specifically consult NT Treasury in relation to budgeting/accounting, commercial, risk management and taxation matters on PPP projects. Procuring Agencies are to specifically consult with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure in relation to initial project assessment and site identification and evaluation.

In relation to Indigenous land issues, the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act, Native Title Act and Northern Territory Sacred Sites Act could apply. Depending on the nature of the particular PPP project, the ownership of the site and other factors, the procuring agency on behalf of the Northern Territory Government may take responsibility for all or part of initial consultations and negotiations on Indigenous land interest matters. It should be noted that over half of the Northern Territory has been claimed under the Land Rights Act, and that much of the rest has been claimed under the Native Title Act.

The Auditor-General will have full and complete access as required to information on any Northern Territory PPP project.