NT Legislative Assembly celebrates 50 years of Territory governance
The Legislative Assembly commemorated its half-century with an event celebrating the highs and lows of 50 years of elected Territory governance. See the historic photos.
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An open day at Parliament House this weekend commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Northern Territory’s first Legislative Assembly.
The event invited members of the community and past and present MLAs to reminisce on 50 years of governance.
The celebrations began with a spectacular Tiwi Islands dancing display in the chamber to honour the Territory’s first elected Indigenous representative, Hyacinth Tungutalum MLA of Tiwi.
What followed was a rousing rendition of the Australian National Anthem performed by Darwin-born artist Prayer Corby.
Former and current Members of the Legislative Assembly spoke about the rich history of Territory governance.
Much of the memories of the Legislative Assembly half a century ago were dominated by the destructive force of Cyclone Tracy, which struck months after the first sitting.
Former Speaker and MLA of the first Assembly Mr Roger Steele remembers that time vividly.
“We hadn’t really had a chance to settle in when Cyclone Tracy struck on Christmas Eve in 1974,” he told the chamber.
“Darwin was in ruins.
“Our purpose was to restore Darwin, look after our constituents and work with the Darwin Reconstruction Commission.”
With so many Territorians evacuated, part of the MLAs new-found responsibilities involved visiting constituents interstate.
“We decided that, at our own expense, we would fly south to engage with our constituents,” he said.
Ms Dawn Lawrie MLA was another member of that first Legislative Assembly.
She spoke of the determination of that Assembly to continue representing Territorians.
“When Tracy struck we all worked together - all 19 of us,” she said.
“The Legislative Assembly premises were absolutely devastated.
“I remember the first sitting after that devastation as people ran around holding lanterns.
Ms Lawrie recalled even the women’s bathroom lacked a roof with rain pouring in.
“We decided as an Assembly, that despite the devastation, Darwin would live on and the Territory would live on through its representatives.”
Ms Lawrie said the post-Tracy political landscape presented problems with Federal intervention.
“Things changed after Tracy - not always for the best,” she said.
“One of the groups that came to town were those seeking to replan Darwin.”
“We had to fight for our individual Assembly rights through those years.
“Of course we needed assistance, but the voice of our constituents had to be heard.
“It was a long and difficult fight.”
Ms Lawrie ended her speech with a reflection on the mission of that first Legislative Assembly that still rings true today.
“It demonstrated that people, no matter their political convictions, would always work for the benefit of Territorians.”
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Originally published as NT Legislative Assembly celebrates 50 years of Territory governance
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