NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy sworn in as new Indigenous Australians Minister

NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy has been officially sworn in as the nation’s Indigenous Australians Minister. Here’s how the Territory’s leaders responded.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy poses for photographs with Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn during the Federal ministry swearing in ceremony at Government House in Canberra. Picture: NewsWire / David Beach

The Territory’s leaders has welcomed NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy to her new role as Indigenous Australians Minister.

Ms McCarthy’s appointment was announced on Sunday and comes less than a week after Linda Burney announced her retirement from politics.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Ms McCarthy said it had been an “extraordinary journey and wonderful privilege” to work alongside Ms Burney as the assistant minister in the portfolio.

“Thank you to the people of the Northern Territory who sent me to Canberra, you’ve now got a seat and a determined voice at the cabinet table,” she wrote.

“I am truly humbled.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese holds a Full Ministry Meeting inside the Cabinet Room at Parliament House in Canberra. Pictured are Malarndirri McCarthy (L) and Clare O'Neil (R). Picture: NewsWire / David Beach

Ms McCarthy was sworn into the federal ministry at a ceremony in Government House Canberra on Monday.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler welcomed Ms McCarthy’s appointment and said having the senator in the federal cabinet would “deliver for the Territory”.

“Malarndirri will speak up loudly and clearly for the Territory and advocate for all Territorians during Cabinet meetings,” Ms Lawler.

“Malarndirri knows the challenges we have in the Territory very well and she is an excellent choice to be the new Minister for Indigenous Australians.”

Solomon MP Luke Gosling – who has been appointed Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs, and Northern Australia – congratulated Malarndirri McCarthy on her new role.

Mr Gosling said both roles would deliver “increased representation for the Northern Territory”.

Luke Gosling at the NT News Futures Northern Territory forum 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“I am committed to working with industry and all levels of government to build the infrastructure of the North, to develop the workforce integral to that goal and to represent the interests of those who serve and have served our nation in Defence,” he said of his appointment.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro wished Ms McCarthy “all the very best”.

“It’s important to have Territorians holding high levels of office and putting our voice forward,” she said.

“Unfortunately, under a Labor government we know the Territory will continue to be ignored as they pander to the East Coast.

“What we’ve got is the greatest level of disadvantage in this country, and successive Labor governments have failed to come to terms with the fact that the Territory needs better support from Canberra.”