Labor files complaints alleging MLA Steve Edgington ‘shoved’ volunteers and Ian Sloan threw corflutes in the bin

The NT Labor Party has lodged a series of complaints with the NT Electoral Commission against a CLP member in the lead-up to the Daly by-election.

THE NT Labor Party has lodged a series of complaints with the NT Electoral Commission alleging a Country Liberal Party member “shoved” its volunteers and another threw their corflutes in the bin.

But the CLP member allegedly involved in the shoving incident has denied the claims.

NT Labor president Erina Early said the ALP had filed two complaints about two separate incidents in which it alleges the CLP’s Member for Barkly Steve Edgington “shoved” a Labor volunteer.

“The Territory ALP has lodged a complaint with the officer in charge last week when Steve Edgington shoved an ALP volunteer,” she said.

“Also we lodged a complaint this morning as well with the officer in charge when Steve Edgington shoved another volunteer.

“We have recommended to the volunteers to lodge a complaint with the police.”

When contacted by the NT News, Mr Edgington said he was unaware of any complaint and denied sparking any physical altercations with Labor volunteers.

“There has been quite a bit of argy-bargy with Labor people around me, directed at me,” he said.

“It’s just commentary and a bit of, close contact, you could call it but I’m not aware of anything other than that.”

Steven Edgington said he was unaware of any complaint. Picture: Che Chorley

Meanwhile the ALP has also lodged a separate third complaint in which it alleges outgoing member for Daly Ian Sloan threw Labor corflutes in the bin.

“Territory ALP lodged a complaint to the Commissioner about Ian Sloan removing ALP corflutes and placing them in a bin,” Ms Early said.

“When questioned by a volunteer he refused to hand them back until the volunteer stated that they would report him for his behaviour. The corflutes were then handed back by Ian Sloan to the volunteer.”

Mr Sloan was contacted for comment and CLP president Jamie de Brenni said the party was unaware of the complaints.

The Daly by-election was sparked by Mr Sloan’s shock retirement last month due to health issues.

“I was incredibly proud to be elected as a member for Daly at the August 2020 election, and still believe that Daly is one of the most beautiful parts of the Territory,” he said.

“However, due to health reasons, I’ve reached the point that I’ve decided to step down and focus on myself and my family.”