Member for Wanguri Nicole Manison has announced she will not run in the 2024 election
After much speculation former Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison has confirmed she will not be running as the Member of Wanguri in the upcoming general election. The Chief Minister’s reaction.
Northern Territory
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After much speculation former Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison has confirmed she will not be running as the Member of Wanguri in the upcoming general election.
Ms Manison has represented Wanguri since the 2013 by-election following the resignation of former Chief Minister Paul Henderson, who stepped down after Labor’s 2012 election defeat.
She was quickly pushed to the Labor frontbench by then opposition leader Delia Lawrie, before securing her seat in Labor’s landslide 2016 victory.
Ms Manison was named Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s deputy, as well as Treasurer, and gained plenty of respect for her work in with the Mining and Industry portfolio.
However, the consecutive leadership spills of Mr Gunner, and later Natasha Fyles, in which Ms Manison did not ascend to the top job, saw her go the backbench.
In a Facebook post on Friday January 12, Ms Manison said she had made the “difficult decision” to not run in the upcoming election in August.
“I have loved my job being the Member for Wanguri. It has been a huge honour to represent the community I grew up in and I am raising my family in,” Ms Manison said.
“Back in 1994, I did work experience at the Member for Wanguri John Bailey’s office. I never imagined that would end up being me some day.
“I can’t thank my constituents enough for backing me, and backing me very strongly, for three elections.
“I believe I will leave this role delivering what I promised to do back in 2013. And I am happy to say that Leanyer, Muirhead and Wanguri remain some of the best parts of the NT to live in.”
Manison said she was now looking forward to spending more time with her family, while stating she would still be working to make the NT “a stronger place for everyone”
“So for now I will be working hard for you out at Hibiscus and be here until the election in August. Don’t hesitate to drop in if you have any ideas or issues you want to discuss with me,” she said.
“I will also be working to get the Lawler Labor Government elected in August. Territorians always do better under Labor.”
Chief Minsiter Eva Lawler said Ms Manison had been a “wonderful asset” to the Labor party.
“Nicole Manison has served the people of Wanguri for 11 years and has been an exceptional MLA,” Ms Lawler said.
“I think everyone you speak to will say she gets in there, sorts out and advocates very strongly for Wanguri.
“She has held some of the hardest portfolios, and I think every stakeholder that’s worked with Nicole will tell you she’s a diligent, conscientious, hardworking minister.
“But 11 years is a long time in politics, when we walk in the door as a politician you know you’re not going to be there forever.
“I’ll miss Nicole dearly, she has been a wonderful asset to our Labor team, has served two chief ministers as deputy very well, and we wish her well.”
Opposition Deputy Leader Gerard Maley said the CLP thanked Ms Manison for her work.
“We know that the former Deputy Chief Minister was much respected by industry,” he said.
“It’s a telling sign that someone of Nicole Manison’s calibre is leaving Labor’s mess.”
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