CLP preselects Andrew Mackay for Darwin rural seat

The CLP has picked a mathematician to contest a tough-to-win rural Darwin seat. Read who it is.

The CLP has fired the first preselection shot of the election year – presenting Litchfield councillor Andrew Mackay as its candidate for the Goyder electorate in rural Darwin.

Eight months out from the August 24 election, Mr Mackay is likely to take on long-time independent Kezia Purick, who appears set to recontest the seat.

Mr Mackay moved with his parents to the Northern Territory when he was seven, attended Girraween Primary School and Taminmin College and completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in mathematics and minoring in computational science and statistics at Monash.

A resident of Humpty Doo, in 2021 he successfully stood as a candidate in Central Ward at the Litchfield Council where he campaigned on integrity and financial issues.

Andrew Mackay collecting blood samples during his days at Humpty Doo Barramundi Farm.

At 24 he was the youngest councillor elected in the Territory in 2021 and will be 27 when Territorians head to the polls on August 24.

After completing his degree, Mr Mackay undertook a Certificate III in aquaculture and worked as a data analyst with Humpty Doo Barramundi.

A fan of data driven policies, he also acknowledges the shortcomings of relying only on statistics for decision making.

“Never trust a statistic you haven’t doctored yourself,” he said.

“Politics is about talking to people, understanding the situation and getting figures or data sets to work through solutions.

“I want to enter Territory politics for the same reason I got onto council. I looked at the way the Territory is being run and I thought I can sit here and complain or do something about it.

“I work in line with the community’s expectations and treat people with respect because everyone’s got an opinion.”

Independent Member for Goyder Kezia Purick.

He said this year’s election would be a turning point for the Territory.

“I am a proud Territorian, fiercely passionate about the rural area and want to be part of a

CLP team that can grow our economy and make the Territory safe.” he said.

“Growing up in the Territory has taught me that we have a unique lifestyle and abundance of

opportunities, and it breaks my heart to see the Territory go backwards under Labor.

“I want to be part of the change that drives the Territory forward so that we once again are

the envy of the nation,” Mr Mackay said.

CLP President Shane Stone. Picture: Evan Morgan

Independent MLA Kezia Purick, who has held Goyder since 2008, could prove a formidable stumbling block to the candidate securing a Legislative Assembly seat.

She responded with a question when asked on Wednesday if she would recontest Goyder. “Why wouldn’t I be standing?” she said.

CLP president Shane Stone said Mr Mackay’s maths-science background would be an enormous asset to the Territory.

“Andrew brings his youth, energy and enthusiasm to the 2024 election team. Most

importantly Andrew’s lived work experience will add considerably to the CLP plans to rebuild

the Territory economy,” Mr Stone said.

Nominations for candidates for the seat of Port Darwin, Fannie Bay, Fong Lim, Nightcliff, Johnston and Casuarina close at the end of January and will be announced at CLP Central Council in Mataranka on February 15.