University graduates could have their student debts wiped if they moved to remote areas in northern Australia, under proposals to turbo-charge development in the Top End.

A report from federal parliament's Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia, tabled on Thursday, recommended the appointment of a federal minister for northern Australia, who would be served by their own department which would be based above the Tropic of Capricorn.

The report, Pivot North, prepared by members and Senators from the Coalition, Labor and the Greens, is intended to inform the government's white paper on northern Australia, which is expected next year.

More than 267 pages, the report calls for major upgrades of road, rail, port, airport, water and broadband infrastructure in the north, and the relocation of defence assets and public service functions, including elements of the departments of agriculture, environment, foreign affairs and immigration departments.