NT’s 120 Most Powerful people for 2022

They wield the power to effect change and shape the Northern Territory for this - and future - generations. Meeting the 120 Most Powerful People of 2022.

NT's 120 Most Powerful number 3-1.

The number one Most Powerful person for 2022 can be revealed.

Territory Coroner Elisabeth Armitage faced one of her most high-profile and challenging inquests in 2022, just months after being appointed to the role in July.

Armitage is presiding over the inquiry into the 2019 police shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker at Yuendumu, which will continue in February.

When the inquiry finally comes to a close, it will be Armitage’s solemn task to piece together the voluminous strands of evidence collected from dozens of witnesses to hand down her recommendations.

With so much at stake, including the hopes and expectations of Mr Walker’s family and community, and the entirety of the NT Police force and government watching on, the pressure will be intense.

NT Attorney-General Chansey Paech and new Senator Jacinta Price round out the top three in the NT’s 120 Most Powerful list for 2022.

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Follow the countdown from 3-1.

3. Jacinta Price

CLP Senator Jacinta Price has become one of most influential voices in the Territory. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Jumping more than 30 places in 2022 to skyrocket into third spot on the Most Powerful list, Price has become one of the most influential people in the Territory.

An outspoken opponent to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, the CLP Senator will not hesitate to ruffle feathers in doing what she believes is right for Territorians.

After being elected to the senate, Price vowed to hold the Albanese government accountable while also labelling Labor’s push for the Voice as “symbolism”.

As the first Indigenous woman elected as deputy mayor of Alice Springs, Price also called for the federal government to extend the Stronger Futures laws that keep Indigenous communities dry.

With the debate over the Voice set to rage on until the proposed referendum in 2023, and likely long after, Price will be one of the loudest and most influential voices in the Territory.

2. Chansey Paech

Attorney-General Chansey Paech has jumped almost 80 spots in the Most Powerful list to be the Territory’s highest ranked politician. Picture: Jason Walls

Recording one of the biggest jumps on the Most Powerful list, the Territory’s Attorney-General has cemented his position as the most powerful politician in the NT.

After being appointed as the highest legal officer in the NT following Michael Gunner’s resignation, Paech has made significant moves since taking up the role.

The Gwoja MLA’s key role in the major political decisions in the Territory in 2022 speaks to his ranking as the second-most influential person in the NT.

With a number of key portfolios in his hands, including Justice, Culture and Heritage and Racing, Gaming and Licensing, Paech’s influence will be pivotal in the decisions that most affect Territorians in the coming years should Labor retain government in 2024.

One of Paech’s biggest challenges in 2023 will be his response to the understaffing and overcrowding crises gripping Territory prisons - an issue the Attorney-General has been noticeably quiet on in recent weeks as the situation escalates.

1. Elisabeth Armitage

Territory Coroner Elisabeth Armitage visits Yuendumu during an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker., which she is presiding. Picture: Jason Walls

The Territory Coroner faced one of her most high-profile and challenging inquests in 2022, just months after being appointed to the role in July.

After presiding over a months’ long inquiry into the 2019 police shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker at Yuendumu, Armitage will continue to oversee the hearings when Zach Rolfe returns to the witness stand in February.

Armitage withstood her first major legal challenge as Territory Coroner in December, after her ruling compelling Constable Rolfe to testify was vindicated on appeal in the Supreme Court. When the inquiry finally comes to a close, it will be Armitage’s solemn - and Herculean - task to piece together the voluminous strands of evidence collected from dozens of witnesses to hand down her recommendations.

With so much at stake, including the hopes and expectations of Mr Walker’s family and community, and the entirety of the NT Police force and government watching on, the pressure will be intense.

But with a steady hand on the wheel of proceedings so far, Armitage has shown she is up to the task and her final report will be eagerly anticipated in 2023.

Originally published as NT’s 120 Most Powerful people for 2022