Lauren Moss, Paul Kirby’s political futures remain to be seen
Two ousted Labor frontbenchers have refused to comment on their intentions to run in next year’s election. Here’s what they did say.
Northern Territory
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The political futures of two ousted Labor cabinet members are still hanging in the balance, with both refusing to answer whether they intend to run again in next year’s election.
Lauren Moss and Paul Kirby lost their frontbench positions in a major Fyles government reshuffle last week, paving the way for Brent Potter and Joel Bowden to step up.
Ms Moss had been a minister for seven years, holding important portfolios across education, environment and tourism, while Mr Kirby’s time in the upper ranks spanned almost five years.
In the days following the shake-up both politicians wrote on social media they were “disappointed”, with Ms Moss adding it had been a “challenging couple of days”.
While the Casuarina MLA told this publication she would see out the rest of the term, Ms Moss did not answer questions about whether she intended to run again in next year’s election.
“The Chief Minister has made decisions in relation to Cabinet that she feels are best for the Territory, and which she is in her rights to make,” she said.
“Having served seven years as a Minister in the Northern Territory I have had the opportunity to be part of many things I’m incredibly proud of including opening Aboriginal-controlled child and family centres, seeing more funding provided to support students with additional needs (and) elevating the voices of young people.
“My focus for the rest of the term is continuing to deliver for the people of Casuarina … this is the most important part of being in parliament, and my commitment remains to the people of Casuarina.”
Mr Kirby said he was committed to spending more time in his electorate but did not comment on his intentions to run in the August 2024 election.
“The Chief Minister has made the decisions around cabinet and how she feels it is best suited to represent Territorians going forward,” he said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the achievements that I’ve been involved with and the relationships I’ve built in that time.
“I’m extremely honoured for being able to work with all facets of our private and public sector and I’m very proud of just finalising all of the NT Enterprise Agreements, helping deliver the most significant skills funding agreement the Territory’s ever seen.”
At the time of the reshuffle, Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said questions about Ms Moss and Mr Kirby’s future in politics would be matters for them.
“We love Lauren. She’s done a terrific job and I know she’ll keep making a massive contribution to the government and the Territory,” she said.
“Paul, ‘Kirbs’, has also done an enormous amount on behalf of the government in skills and small business, in primary industry and for Territory public servants – just to name a few of his responsibilities.”
NT Labor Party president Anthony Venes said the party would start its nomination process after the NTEC finishes reviewing electoral boundaries, aiming to preselect candidates early next year.
The CLP has already re-endorsed its seven members and chosen another three candidates.