NT Cattlemen’s chief executive Tracey Hayes named the NT News’ Most Powerful in the Territory

THE Territory’s Most Powerful person Tracey Hayes was standing in a line at Changi Airport when the news first broke

Northern Territory Cattlemen’s chief executive Tracey Hayes has been named the NT News’ Most Powerful in the Territory. PICTURE: Rex Nicholson

THE Territory’s Most Powerful person Tracey Hayes was standing in a line at Changi Airport in Singapore when the news first broke.

“There was a bit of excitement further up the line,” the NT Cattlemen’s chief executive said.

“We were on our way back from China with the entire delegation including Chief Minister Michael Gunner when Alastair Shields (CEO, Tourism NT) told me I had been made #1. The Chief Minister congratulated me saying ‘Well done’, but we never discussed him coming in second.

“It is surprising and humbling, but I am delighted the pastoral sector is being recognised as an important sector to the NT and I have played a role in helping position it for the future.”

Ms Hayes, 45, is a mother of four boys who represents the $1 billion Territory cattle industry and was named among Australia’s most influential women.

The recognition for Ms Hayes comes just a few months after the death of her former husband Billy in a light plane accident.

The death is part of a tumultuous time that includes leading a damages class action for the Gillard Government’s live cattle ban, representing her industry on land access, water access, and the battle for coexistence with the resources sector.

During this time she has had to guide her sons through the maze of emotions associated with the passing of their ­father.

Ms Hayes is respected in government circles on both sides of the floor at all levels.

Her industry knowledge comes from a lifetime of living on the land. She is a worthy choice against a list who could all, in their own right, be considered just as influential or powerful.

Ms Hayes tips out Chief Minister Michael Gunner, who became one of the highest ranked politicians in the history of putting the list together.

Croc farmer Mick Burns, who topped the list last time round, slipped slightly to number four, beaten by billionaire Chinese businessman Ye Cheng (three), who has leased Darwin Port for 99 years and is building a $250 million luxury hotel at the Waterfront.

You know it is a tough list when Australia’s richest wom­an, Gina Rinehart, soon to be the single largest private landholder in the NT, comes in at number five. How do you think the list stacks up? Are you surprised by who we chose?

Let us know.