Ex-Labor backbencher Jeff Collins joins Territory Alliance, giving party shot at NT Opposition status

TERRITORY Alliance has picked up another seat in parliament with Member for Fong Lim and ex-Labor backbencher Jeff Collins to announcing he has joined the party

Independent MLA Jeff Collins (right) has joined the new political party of former chief minister Terry Mills (left).

• Jeff Collins and Robyn Lambley open to joining Territory Alliance

TERRITORY Alliance has picked up another seat in parliament with independent Member for Fong Lim Jeff Collins to announce he has joined the party.

The NT News can reveal the ex-Labor backbencher will on Tuesday announce he has decided to join allegiances with Territory Alliance and its founder, former chief minister Terry Mills.

The move will mean the party now has two MLAs in parliament — the same number as the current Country Liberal Party Opposition.

Mr Mills has previously said Territory Alliance would attempt to seize Opposition status from the Country Liberals if they gained a seat.

“I have taken my time over this decision and it is not one I have taken lightly,” Mr Collins said.

“We have to do better and I am putting my shoulder to the wheel and backing Territory Alliance.

“My focus is on getting the economy working, balancing development and protection of the environment while at the same time addressing the issues affecting people in their everyday life.

“I will also be pursuing in earnest reform of the Territory parliamentary system, a system I believe is fundamentally failing Territorians.”

Mr Collins was elected in 2016 as a Labor MLA but was expelled from Caucus, along with Ken Vowles and Scott McConnell, for speaking out about the depth of the Territory’s financial troubles at the end of 2018.

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He left Labor and sat as an independent MLA in parliament last year.

“I put myself forward after being disappointed beyond belief with what the Giles/Tollner government was doing to the Territory,” Mr Collins said.

“However, with the performance of the current Gunner Government there really hasn’t been any difference; it’s time for a change.

“In August, Territorians can deliver that message directly to the major parties; the message that we are sick of being treated as if we are fools and things are going to change around here.”