20 April 2026
• Remote communities suffering the immediate impact of fuel crisis.
• New data has revealed that critical frontline services are being forced to reduce services due to rising costs.
• Communities already in desperate need following extreme weather conditions are being affected disproportionately.
• Sector wants to work with Federal and Territory governments to ensure essential services are still being delivered to all Territorians.
Essential social services across the Northern Territory have raised issues over the burgeoning fuel crisis and its effect on the most disadvantaged and in-need Territorians already impacted from extreme weather emergencies.
The Northern Territory Council of Social Service (NTCOSS) is calling for Territory and Federal governments to provide urgent support to remote communities, after a recent survey found that almost all the sector noted increased financial strain on the people they support and many organisations were already reducing programs and services delivery due to rising fuel costs.
NTCOSS chief executive Sally Sievers said that the fuel shortage was already being felt disproportionately by those in remote communities.
“Our members and the people they work with are already feeling the bite of this crisis, with remote Territorians especially at risk.”
“Communities rely on diesel generators to access and run the necessities that we take for granted here in town. With prices skyrocketing, urgent relief is needed to prevent even further disadvantage to families already pushed to the limit.”
Ms Sievers raised concerns that remote communities were being doubly impacted, as fuel costs were also preventing some frontline organisations from providing their full range of services.
“Now more than ever the NT needs these critical services, and it’s extremely worrying that many organisations are being forced to downscale their work at a time so many people are in desperate need.”
“We understand government budgets are under pressure, but if our members are unable to deliver their critical services then we face far more expensive problems in the near future in terms of social, health and crime implications for Territorians unable to access help.”
Ms Sievers said that they are calling on all levels of government to ensure remote communities are in their contingency planning and adapt funding agreements so that organisations can manage assets appropriately.
“We stand with the Central Land Council in calling for the Federal Government to substantially increase the remote area allowance, providing much needed relief to remote Territorians.”
“By allowing more flexibility into grant agreements, Federal and Territory governments can help organisations better support our communities. This shift would allow funds and services to be appropriately managed, ultimately reducing the risk to community members.