More funding for indigenous rangers, a renewed focus on northern Australian development and no buck-passing on health funding are some of the Northern Territory's hopes for Tuesday's federal Budget.
Fifteen indigenous ranger groups from remote communities around Australia have written to urge the prime minister to expand what they say is one of the country's most successful indigenous jobs programs.
The group wants 10 years of funding and to grow the number of rangers from fewer than 1000 to 5000.
"The community and traditional owners rely on the rangers for help and to do many jobs," says George Milaypuma, senior cultural advisor from the Crocodile Islands Rangers.
"They look after the sacred sites, lands and seas, they are really the front people for our community."
Meanwhile, shadow minister for Northern Australia Gary Gray says the federal government is not doing enough to realise the economic potential of the region.
"Over the past 12 months we've see nothing but escalating rhetoric," he told AAP.
He said the government had talked up infrastructure investment and now needed to follow through.
Chief Minister Adam Giles said although the Northern Australia white paper was not due until mid-year, he wanted to see "some good, strong policy announcements".
"Anything that comes into infrastructure will get a big tick," as would funding for health and education, he said.
Treasurer Dave Tollner wants a budget that will get Australia back onto a sustainable footing but says he's worried the Commonwealth will try to shift health costs onto the NT.
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