The line is used to describe the demarcation of inequitable resourcing towards the capital Darwin and surrounding areas[1] over the vast remote areas of the south.
[2] Berrimah is a suburb just south of Darwin, that originates from World War II when it was an army camp.
[2] The colloquial concept has been used widely since the 1960s[2] and is used broadly to refer to bias regarding levels of financial investment and service provision as well as the attitudes and focus of politicians.
[3] Research of Hansard records show that members with electorates outside of Darwin are more likely to use the term in Parliament than those based in the capital.
[2] In 2017, there were satirical new stories regarding the plans of Palmerston Council to build a wall along the Berrimah Line to stem “undesirable cultural influence” from Darwin.