The Prime Minister will keep his predecessor’s “Captain’s pick” for Nova Peris to top NT Labor’s ballot.

Kevin Rudd has announced he will not undo Julia Gillard's choice to name Ms Peris as the Territory’s prime Labor candidate. The controversial decision has caught the ire of NT Labor stalwarts, who would prefer a rank-and-file election.

There may be some chance for change now that the Prime Minister has arrived in Darwin; he had earlier said he will canvas the opinions of locals before making a concrete decision. NT Labor veterans have called on him to make sure his consultations are widespread.  

Ms Peris was preselected when then-PM Julia Gillard intervened on the party’s decision and ousted Territory senator Trish Crossin, a staunch supporter of Mr Rudd.

Before flying north Mr Rudd said he knew what he was in for; “I know enough about Darwin and the Territory to know that people from the south and from elsewhere need to actually get up there and see how the locals feel... I'll be talking to the local branch about this question when I get up there, and I'll be talking to locals as well,” he said.

The PM said in Darwin that he realised his decision was difficult for Ms Crossin, saying "Trish Crossin has been a friend of mine for 15 years... [she] has been a wonderful representative of the Territory. I spoke to her again this morning, and I've spoken to her in recent days. This is very tough for her. And frankly, it's very tough for all of us."

Kevin Rudd announced earlier this week that changes would be made to the way Labor selects its leaders across the country, giving more power to rank-and-file members and reducing the chance of sudden spills.