NT Votes: Territory Alliance picks Rachael Wright to challenge Kezia Purick in seat of Goyder

A MULTI-generation Territorian and experienced human resource manager has been picked to challenge Kezia Purick in the electorate of Goyder for Territory Alliance

A MULTI-GENERATION Territorian and experienced human resource manager has been picked to challenge Kezia Purick in the electorate of Goyder for Territory Alliance.

Rachael Wright, who has lived in the electorate for more than 20 years, told the NT News she was motivated to put her hand up to run as she had “real concerns” about the state of the NT and felt nothing had been done to address the issues.

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For Ms Wright, this includes concerns around a “rising crime problem” in Darwin’s rural area, the state of the economy, and environmental anxiety around fracking.

The mother-of-three and public servant, who will quit her job shortly to campaign, said she was “closer to the demographic” of the people that live in the seat of Goyder.

“I’m a mum within the area, and also a professional and I’ve got strong ties to the Territory and I really do feel that I am a very strong and good alternative,” Ms Wright said.

Territory Alliance's candidate for the seat of Goyder Rachael Wright with party leader Terry Mills. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The other two candidates in the seat of Goyder; independent MLA Kezia Purick and CLP’s Phil Battye have had a rocky month.

Ms Purick was found by NT’s peak corruption watchdog this week to have “engaged in corrupt conduct”, while the NT News revealed Mr Battye once faced court for failing to pay his tax bills for a decade.

NT Labor is yet to announce a candidate in Goyder.

Despite the ICAC’s explosive findings, Ms Purick has committed to running for re-election and it is expected she will get across the line.

Goyder is the third safest electorate in the NT.

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Ms Wright would not be drawn on how she planned to beat Ms Purick in light of the ICAC’s findings, instead saying she was more interested in “moving forward” than “looking back”.

Ms Wright grew up on a cattle station in the Gulf of Carpentaria, NT, before moving back to Darwin to complete high school and has remained here ever since.

Her family is from the NT.

She has worked in both the private and public sector in human resources and workforce development.

“I’ve got a good understanding of the business community, and the people within the business community, as well as the genuine concerns that our public service face,” Ms Wright said.