NT dumps Labor
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The Northern Territory election has resulted in a significant political shift, with the Country Liberal Party (CLP) securing a decisive victory after eight years in opposition.
A 12 per cent swing on a two-party preferred basis saw the CLP unseat the two-term Labor government, marking only the second time in 24 years that the CLP has claimed power.
The victory underscores a reaction to the controversial policies and governance of the outgoing Labor administration, which had governed for 19 of the past 23 years.
Lia Finocchiaro, who will become the Northern Territory's first NT-born and second female chief minister, led the CLP to victory.
Finocchiaro was previously one of only two CLP members to survive the 2016 election, which saw the party reduced to just two seats following revelations of inhumane treatment of children in detention centres.
Despite these past issues, Finocchiaro's recent campaign largely ignored the recommendations from the Royal Commission that was established as a response to those scandals.
Instead, her platform focused heavily on law and order, promising to lower the criminal age of responsibility to 10 and reinstate controversial measures such as the use of spit hoods on children.
The CLP's campaign strategy also included reinstating truancy officers, a policy originally introduced by federal Labor in 2009 and later scrapped by the CLP.
This approach reflects a broader theme of reviving old policies, despite their previous failures or controversy.
The CLP ran a campaign largely centred on Finocchiaro, with many of their candidates keeping a low profile.
This tactic appeared effective, as Finocchiaro not only secured 49.5 per cent of the overall primary vote but also received over 80 per cent of the votes in her own electorate.
The election results also reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the Labor Party, which suffered heavy losses, retaining as few as four seats in the 25-seat parliament.
The swing against Labor was most pronounced in urban areas such as Palmerston and Darwin's northern suburbs, historically strongholds for the party.
Eva Lawler, the outgoing Labor leader who took over from Natasha Fyles eight months ago, faced a significant personal defeat, losing her own seat amid a more than 20 per cent swing against her.
The election also saw significant gains for independents and the Greens, marking a historic moment with the likely election of Suki Dorras-Walker as the Greens' first-ever NT member of parliament.
Independent Justine Davies also won the neighbouring seat of Johnston, further signalling a shift in voter allegiances.
Environment and social issues played a role in the election, with mass land clearing, fracking, and the proposed $1.5 billion Middle Arm development being cited by Dr Kirsty Howey, CEO of Environment Centre NT, as driving factors behind the collapse of Labor’s progressive vote.
The emergence of a Green member and progressive independents indicates a broader disenchantment with mainstream parties and their handling of critical issues in the territory.
The low voter turnout, with some electorates seeing participation as low as 32 per cent, further complicates the narrative, suggesting widespread disengagement or dissatisfaction with the political process itself.
As the CLP prepares to take office, it faces the daunting task of addressing the Northern Territory’s deeply entrenched issues, including high crime rates, economic stagnation, and social challenges, particularly in Indigenous communities.
The electorate's clear demand for change now puts significant pressure on the new government to deliver tangible improvements.
In her victory speech, Finocchiaro emphasised her local roots and deep connection to the territory, reflecting on her upbringing in Palmerston and her Italian heritage.
As she prepares to lead, the new chief minister and her party must navigate the complex realities of governance in a territory marked by deep social and economic divides.