Namatjira MLA Chansey Paech considers seat switch

Member for Namatjira Chansey Paech is considering switching seats in next year’s NT election.

Member for Namatjira, Chansey Paech is considering switching seats in next year’s NT election. Picture: Emma Murray

MEMBER for Namatjira Chansey Paech is considering switching seats and running for Stuart in next year’s NT election if his objections are ignored in the electoral boundary redistribution.

Changes proposed by the NT Electoral Commission’s redistribution committee will see Namatjira turn into a predominantly urban seat and completely surround Alice Springs to include the suburbs of Larapinta and parts of Araluen, Sadadeen and Mount Johns.

Mr Paech said he was passionate about representing people in the bush and fears the voices of remote Aboriginal electors in Namatjira will be drowned out by their urban counterparts if the boundary changes go ahead.

“The redistribution is not yet finalised and I will make a decision regarding my political future when this is completed,” he said.

“But my passion is in the bush, working with people in remote communities and businesses to represent their interests and aspirations.

“Residents in our major towns and centres already have a strong voice in our political system.

“It’s where the majority of votes are concentrated and where the majority of Government money is spent.”

The committee has also proposed changing the name of the seat of Nhulunbuy, held by independent Mark Guyula, to Mulka while the seat of Stuart, held by independent Scott McConnell, will become Gwoja.

Mr McConnell revealed to the NT News last month that he intends to challenge his former Labor colleague Dale Wakefield for her seat of Braitling in the 2020 election.

Objections to the proposed seat changes must be lodged by August 14.

Northern Territory voters next go to the polls on August 22, next year.