Newcomers Jinson Charls, Robyn Cahill promoted to frontbench as new NT Cabinet revealed

Lia Finocchiaro has revealed her new frontbench, handing key ministerial roles to first-timers and stripping some of the incumbent CLP team of their former portfolios.

Fia Walsh

@fiawalsh

2 min read

September 9, 2024 - 4:26PM

The newly elected CLP government at their first meeting as the Northern Territory frontbench is confirmed. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

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Lia Finocchiaro has revealed her new frontbench, handing key ministerial roles to first-timers and stripping some of the incumbent CLP team members of their former portfolios.

While all of the seven returned members will sit in the Cabinet, Josh Burgoyne and Jo Hersey hold noticeably fewer portfolios than when in opposition.

Mr Burgoyne is now Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment - a title hinting at a significant restructure in the existing Environment Department.

Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Education Minister Jo Hersey. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Hersey has kept Education but lost Environment, Sport, and Domestic Violence Prevention.

Marie-Clare Boothby has been elevated to Attorney-General, a portfolio shifted out of the hands of Steve Edgington who will instead take Health, Alcohol Policy and Aboriginal Affairs.

Bill Yan is Treasurer and will also oversee a new portfolio for Housing Construction.

Port Darwin MLA Robyn Cahill, a newcomer to politics and former senior health leader, will take portfolios for Trade, Child Protection, DV Prevention, and Migration.

In what may be the most unexpected promotion to the frontbench, former nurse and health professional Jinson Charls is now Minister for Sport, Disability, and Arts.

Oxford education migration expert Tanzil Rahman will remain on the backbench. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“The CLP has been given a mandate to deliver change for all Territorians and our new Cabinet will ensure a better Northern Territory for everyone,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“Community safety is my government’s first priority, and we are on track to deliver our promised reforms on bail and increased police powers in the first week of parliament.

“Rebuilding the economy and restoring the Territory’s reputation as a competitive destination to live, work, visit and invest is a key focus of our new Cabinet.”

In total the Country Liberals have selected nine frontbenchers from 17 seats won.

The NT Electoral Commission declared final election results on Monday, confirming Labor won just four seats - all bush seats held by Indigenous Territorians.

Also on the crossbench are three independents: Justine Davis in Johnston, Yingiya Mark Guyula in Mulka and Robyn Lambley in Araluen, along with the Greens’ first ever candidate elected in the NT, Kat McNamara in Nightcliff.