CLP preselects Ben Hosking as Fannie Bay candidate

The CLP has chosen who will fight against Brent Potter in the Fannie Bay by-election.

THE Country Liberals have preselected former police officer and businessman Ben Hosking as the party’s candidate at the August 20 Fannie Bay by-election.

Mr Hosking was announced as the candidate in a social media post by Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro.

In a recent interview with the NT News, Mr Hosking said he had a longstanding connection with the electorate, particularly in Ludmilla and Fannie Bay.

CLP spokesman John-Paul Baladi said Mr Hosking was born and bred in Ludmilla and his campaign will reflect local issues.

“Growing up in the electorate, he attended school in Parap and his heart has never stopped beating for his community,” Mr Baladi said.

“As a local small business owner and former NT Police officer, Ben personally understands the issues facing Fannie Bay residents and wants to hold the Labor government accountable for their decisions.”

Crime and anti-social behaviour will be key by-election campaign issues with Mr Hosking pushing for the reintroduction of the 2km public drinking laws, the removal of the public service pay freeze and greater incentives for rooftop solar.

In 2016, Mr Hosking unsuccessfully contested Drysdale electorate for the CLP

Labor last week announced Brent Potter as its candidate for Fannie Bay.

The NT News Mr Hosking’s nearest challenger was local resident and CLP staffer Emily Fanning, who made a strong impression on the party’s preselecting management committee.

Nominations for the by-election close on Thursday.

Fanning for Fannie Bay?

July 29: A LOCAL candidate has emerged as a potential frontrunner for CLP preselection at the August 20 Fannie Bay by-election.

Emily Fanning, a policy adviser in the office of Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro and a Fannie Bay local has told NT News she is putting up her hand.

Potential clp Fannie Bay candidate Emily Fanning …

“The most fundamental role of a local member is to represent their community,” Mrs Fanning said. “As a local raising my young family in Parap, I know and love my community and have already garnered support from locals. If selected, I plan to focus on engaging with my community and local businesses so that I can be guided by local solutions and together we can tackle any issue.”

Mrs Fanning was born and raised in Canada and migrated to Darwin in 2010 for what was supposed to be a three-month study exchange.

“I fell in love with the Territory lifestyle and the people and met my husband Nathan here. I’ve never lived anywhere else in Australia and don’t expect I’ll ever leave.

“My little sister moved to Australia not long after I did to attend med school and has worked as a doctor at Royal Darwin Hospital for almost four years.”

She says issues around anti-social behaviour and crime must be tackled at a whole-of-government level.

“In my mind safety, financial security and sustainability are fundamental rights that are not being met under the current Government,” she said.

“I will make these my priorities and I think that these goals align most closely with CLP values. If selected, I look forward to being supported by a CLP team where I know my voice and the voices of my community, will be listened to.”

Mrs Fanning was front and centre at the CLP’s Parap market stall on Saturday morning.

She joins former 2016 CLP candidate Ben Hosking, who has already said he will contest Fannie Bay.

With the party’s preselection set to close at midnight on Sunday and selection to take place on Monday, it’s possible a candidate won’t be named until after the Darwin Cup long weekend.

CLP president Fiona Darcy said the party is determined to pick the best candidate for the Fannie Bay community.

“This isn’t a captain’s pick. We want the best person for the job and it needs to be done properly,” she said.

An official candidate launch is expected to take place in Fannie Bay on Thursday.

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