Matt Garrick
Matt Garrick is an award-winning journalist and author at ABC Darwin.
Based in the Northern Territory since 2012, and in northern Australia since 2009, his passion and focus is on issues affecting the Top End and Darwin, Central Australia and Northeast Arnhem Land.
He has written extensively about politics, Indigenous affairs and music.
His first book, Writing in the Sand, an authorised biography of NT band Yothu Yindi, was published by ABC Books in 2021.
Latest by Matt Garrick
'We weren't as one': Damages to flood evacuation centre sparked divisions in outback community
The damages to the Howard Springs centre by flood evacuees tabbed up to hundreds of thousands of dollars – one of the remote communities involved is still trying to recover from the controversy.
'I'm pretty desensitised now': One year since alcohol bans returned, Alice Springs looks to future
A year on from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's visit to Alice Springs, progress on alcohol-related harm and violence remains an uphill battle.
'Our lives depend on it': Call for NT chief minister to firm up plans to relocate outback community
The NT government says it has the "absolute will" to move Pigeon Hole to higher ground – now leaders want to see a timeline for when it will happen.
Flooded twice in 12 months, an outback town's plea to move to higher ground gathers momentum
For more than 20 years, residents and local authorities have been calling for Pigeon Hole to be relocated to a nearby cattle station. The NT government now claims it's listening.
Analysis
analysis:NT Labor's revived pledge to deliver a treaty sets up an election battleground in the bush
Seven months out from an NT election, Labor's promise to persevere with a treaty sets up a definitive alternative to the CLP. But can either party deliver on their pledges?
NT government to revive treaty plans, blames Voice referendum for 'slow down' of process
Six years after the NT government promised it would create a treaty with Aboriginal Territorians, and amid criticism of inaction, the government says it's rebooting the process.
'Deplorable act': Alice Springs workers in shock after mass car vandalism in apartment block
Residents of an apartment complex in the heart of Alice Springs say crime is the worst they've ever seen it and are calling for the government to do more to keep them safe.
The ABC applied for documents under FOI. The department didn't respond for 17 months
The NT's Information Commissioner says sluggish responses to FOI requests are "very concerning", after the chief minister's office took almost a year and a half to process some applications.
Man extradited from Melbourne to Alice Springs to be charged with murder of Yiel Gatluak
The 22-year-old was arrested in Melbourne on the weekend, with NT Police confirming they had been tracking his movements since New Year's Day.
Space firm dismisses fears expansion could make Arnhem Land a military target
A space company with plans to launch 50 rockets a year from the remote NT has dismissed fears about missiles being launched from the site, but still has ambitions to work with defence.
Police quarters ransacked, compound raided as specialist cops deployed to troubled NT community
Just weeks after a man was shot with a compound bow, specialist tactical officers have been deployed to the remote community of Wadeye to try to quell violent unrest.
She's the new Northern Territory chief minister. So who is Eva Lawler?
Eva Lawler takes the top job in territory politics as the government's two most experienced members move to the backbench.
It's one of Australia's most important documents — but for years it's been 'missing' in the Kimberley
It’s been on a journey around Australia, from Canberra to the Kimberley. Now, six decades since its creation, one of the four famed bark petitions has finally been returned to Arnhem Land.
Analysis
analysis:Booze law backlash in Top End as NT government accused of turning police into 'political pawns'
The Northern Territory government is describing itself as "dynamic and agile" for its snap decision to tighten liquor laws. Others say NT Labor's only taking action to win an election, writes Matt Garrick.
Facing a volatile future, Australia harnesses thousands-year-old techniques to defend remote borders
In an era of spy satellites and nuclear submarines, Australia's vast northern borders are still being defended by squadrons of soldiers using techniques that are thousands of years old.
In 2022, dozens of homes were destroyed in this community. Now locals are helping build new ones
Wadeye is home to more than 2,000 people and struggles with social issues such as severe overcrowding, which many hope these new builds will help overcome.
Analysis
analysis:NT was Australia's first place to raise the age of criminal responsibility – that could change in 2024
The age of criminal responsibility is becoming a politically loaded topic ahead of the NT's 2024 election, as crime rates continue to rise.
For five years, kids in this community were swimming in croc-inhabited creeks. Finally, that's changed
In a place where the temperatures can soar above 40 degrees Celsius, children and adults alike are cheering the long-awaited return of their community pool.
Former ranger makes history as first Indigenous director of National Parks
After years of frayed relations between traditional owners and the government at Kakadu National Park, a new leader will take the helm.
Metal shards are falling from this house. Police say there are 'compelling reasons' it's still standing
A group of homeowners bought into an NT government-backed affordable housing scheme, riddled with defects and serious safety concerns. They're fearful of another cyclone while they wait for court proceedings.
NT government says controversial project involving gas plant will help close the gap for Indigenous Territorians
In a submission to an inquiry into the Middle Arm Development Precinct, the NT government has listed Closing the Gap as a key "strategic" reason to pursue the $1.5 billion project.
'Huge mistake': NT government trying to recoup $500,000 after seniors' concession scheme bungle
The NT's Council on the Ageing is calling for the NT government to sack the provider responsible for a widespread seniors' concession scheme error in the territory.
One launch a week, 14 launch pads: Massive expansion pegged for remote Australian rocket base
The fledgling Arnhem Space Centre in the remote Northern Territory is looking to substantially expand its facilities and launch capacity if it's given the tick of approval.
Analysis
analysis:The PM, a rookie minister and 'east coast media' scrutiny pulls NT crime back into the spotlight
Renewed criticism and scrutiny have been heaped on the NT government’s policies and track record on crime, following an eventful few days in territory politics.
'Fraught with danger': Concern over plan to arm NT security guards with capsicum spray
The NT Police Association is among vocal critics of a Northern Territory government plan to give additional powers to security guards, which many say are not adequately trained.