Labor’s Chansey Paech to switch seats at the next election

CHANSEY Paech, who currently holds the seat of Namatjira for Labor, will switch seats at the next election

Chansey Paech, who currently holds the seat of Namatjira for Labor, will switch seats at the next election

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CHANSEY Paech will switch seats at the next election.

Mr Paech currently holds Namatjira for Labor, but told the NT News he intends to run in Gwoja (previously Stuart) in 2020.

A recent redistribution means Namatjira is now a predominantly Alice Springs urban seat.

“I feel I am the best fit to take Labor to victory in (Gwoja) as an Aboriginal person who is connected throughout that entire electorate,” he said.

Mr Paech acknowledged pressure from others within the party to remain in Namatjira.

“I had been encouraged by a number of people to stay because they felt I was the best person to hold that seat for Labor. I don’t believe that is the case,” he said.

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Mr Paech said he had encouraged a “select few” people to nominate for preselection in Namatjira. His preference was for his successor to be indigenous.

“I think Aboriginal people should be represented in parliament by Aboriginal people,” he said.

“I’m a strong believer that person needs to be well connected to both Alice Springs and the wider Central Australia.”