McCarthy, Gosling in the mix for federal frontbench spot

Two Territory politicians are in the discussion to fill vacant front bench positions in Canberra. Read who it is.

Two federal Northern Territory politicians are in the mix to fill vacancies on the Albanese Labor Government’s frontbench after two shock Cabinet retirements on Thursday.

Indigenous Australians minister Linda Burney and Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor both announced their retirements from federal politics at the next election, with the pair stepping aside immediately from the front bench.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to announce a new frontbench on Sunday, with two Territorians in the mix to take a ministerial spot.

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour.

Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour, a former deputy chief minister in the Northern Territory parliament, ruled herself out of a frontbench tilt, citing being a first term federal member and the demands of one of the country’s largest federal electorates.

But she endorsed her parliamentary Labor colleague and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, to replace Linda Burney in the job.

“I think Malarndirri’s earnt the right to be on the front bench,” Ms Scrymgour said.

“I’m just a newbie in there and have an important job to do in Lingiari and I enjoy the local constituency work.

“I will support whoever the PM decides to put on the front bench but I’m behind Malarndirri getting the Ministry.”

Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Scrymgour, the second Indigenous woman elected to an Australian parliament when she won the Arafura electorate in August 2001, paid tribute to Linda Burney, the third Aboriginal woman elected to an Australian parliament.

Western Australian Carol Martin was the first, elected six-months before Ms Scrymgour.

“I’ll miss Linda. We’ve known each other for a long time and we were two of the three Aboriginal women at the time who broke the glass ceiling into parliament.”

Senator McCarthy has local support too, with Chief Minister Eva Lawler backing her appointment to the ministry.

Luke Gosling at the NT News Futures conference 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Having a minister from the Territory in the federal government will deliver major benefits for all Territorians,” Ms Lawler said.

“Malarndirri is a passionate Territorian and she will make an excellent Minister, if selected by the Prime Minister.”

Solomon MP Luke Gosling is also in the running for a promotion, with the Sydney Morning Herald naming him and Andrew Charlton as potential assistant ministers.

“Darwin is the capital of the north and a position in the Ministry would give my constituents in Darwin and Palmerston – and the Territory more widely – someone fighting for them at a higher level,” Mr Gosling said.

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. Picture: Gera Kazakov

“Linda and Brendan have given so much to their communities, the movement and the nation and I wish them both the very best – and a well-deserved rest.”

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, one of Ms Burney’s fiercest Voice opponents, paid a warm tribute to her former adversary.

“While we have often differed in our views of how to best end Indigenous disadvantage, Minister Burney’s career has been driven by a burning desire to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians,” Senator Price said.

“When the day comes that Indigenous Australians have the same life expectations as every other Australian, it will be in part due to Minister Burney’s dedication in an area of politics filled with difficult and harrowing realities.

“An immense personal sacrifice is demanded from anyone who volunteers for a life of service through elected office, but particularly so for Minister Burney who has experienced significant personal tragedy and loss.

“For her commitment and sacrifice she has given as an elected representative, I offer my sincere commendation and wish her the best in her future endeavours.”