Building on the 2015 White Paper, Our North, Our Future, this action plan addresses the evolving needs of northern Australians and reaffirms the government’s commitment to the region. The plan identifies six priority areas and focuses on activating the northern economy, fostering sustainable growth, and improving the livelihoods of communities in the north.

The plan emphasizes leveraging the Australian Government's investment in initiatives such as the Future Made in Australia and the National Defence Strategy and highlights the importance of aligning the development agenda with national priorities like closing the gap, environmental conservation, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

The action plan outlines six priority areas for action:

1. Activating the northern economy: capitalizing on investment opportunities, harnessing advantages in the transition to a net-zero economy, and scoping a First Nations Economic Partnership.
2. Infrastructure to unlock growth: addressing housing investment needs, collaborating to meet infrastructure demands, improving air service affordability, and ensuring sustainable infrastructure planning.
3. Safe and secure north: maximizing local benefits from Defence investments and mitigating biosecurity threats.
4. Growing the northern workforce.
5. Liveable, healthy, and resilient communities: ensuring equitable access to government investment, considering climate adaptation in funding decisions, and assisting communities experiencing economic transitions.
6. Protecting the north’s environment and cultural heritage.