Charles Darwin University (CDU) welcomes the continuing opportunity to contribute to Quality Initial Teacher Education reform by providing this targeted submission in response to the Teacher Education Expert Panel’s Discussion Paper released on 23 March 2023. This submission seeks to ensure the Panel is familiar with the workforce challenges and school education context of the NT, especially as it relates to future performance measurement of Initial Teacher Education.
Charles Darwin University midwifery researchers are calling for Indigenous-led birthing centres to expand across Australia after a seven-year study found a decrease in preterm births and an improvement in breastfeeding and antenatal care for First Nations families.
The paper “Effect of a Birthing on Country Service redesign on maternal and neonatal health outcomes for First Nations Australians: a prospective, non-randomised interventional trial" published today in The Lancet Global Health revealed preterm births were 50 per cent less likely in women accessing a designated Birthing on Country service in Brisbane’s south.
The study reported an almost 40 per cent increase in breastfeeding after discharge from hospital and an 80 per cent increase in women attending more than four antenatal sessions in pregnancy.
The Centre for Asphalt and Road Technologies (CART) at Charles Darwin University leads research to improve the reliability and sustainability of road infrastructure in the Northern Territory.
Established in 2025, CART builds on a pavement research program launched in 2024. The centre works with industry and government partners, including the Northern Territory Department of Logistics and Infrastructure, Tyre Stewardship Australia and the Additive Manufacturing CRC.
The project focuses on developing durable road materials, increasing the use of recycled resources, and improving maintenance approaches for remote and climate-exposed transport networks.
By combining research, industry collaboration and training, CART supports more resilient infrastructure, local capability development and sustainable economic growth in the Northern Territory.
Established in 2025, CART builds on a pavement research program launched in 2024. The centre works with industry and government partners, including the Northern Territory Department of Logistics and Infrastructure, Tyre Stewardship Australia and the Additive Manufacturing CRC.
The project focuses on developing durable road materials, increasing the use of recycled resources, and improving maintenance approaches for remote and climate-exposed transport networks.
By combining research, industry collaboration and training, CART supports more resilient infrastructure, local capability development and sustainable economic growth in the Northern Territory.
This research project is funded by the Northern Territory Government Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade through the Community Benefit Fund, which is an independent statutory body responsible for distributing government revenues associated with the collection of a 10% tax on pokies in pubs and casinos in the NT. This research is being conducted by Dr Kim M Caudwell and Dr Mal Flack, who are researchers from the Faculty of Health at Charles Darwin University (CDU), for the NT Government. CDU asked Roy Morgan Research to undertake telephone interviews for this project. Roy Morgan Research carried out the interviews for the 2015 and 2018 surveys and manage the National Drug Strategy Household Survey, the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey and are very experienced in conducting interviews for these types of surveys.
CDU’s Northern Institute and Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods have unparalleled experience and deep engagement across the NT. In line with the invitation to provide feedback on the Mineral Development Taskforce Final Report, this submission focuses on key recommendations where CDU looks forward to continuing to work with the NT Government and industry to deliver the training, education and research needed to underpin the NT’s future economy.
Charles Darwin University supports the NT Government’s efforts to review and implement opportunities for improvement in secondary education. This submission focuses on CDU’s expertise in the NT’s unique learning environment; CDU’s involvement in the secondary years through Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools; and as a critical enabler of school workforces, especially teachers. This submission responds to the NT Government’s Review of Secondary Education in the Northern Territory Discussion Paper (May 2023).