Nicole Manison explains why she won’t run for Wanguri in the 2024 election
Former deputy chief minister Nicole Manison has explained her decision not to recontest the seat of Wanguri, as Labor seems to stumble over who will replace her.
Politics
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Nicole Manison says she is quitting politics to spend more time with her family after years of ‘sacrifice’ as a mum in government, while the Labor Party appears to stumble over who will replace her to contest the electorate of Wanguri.
During her decade in the legislative assembly the former Deputy Chief Minister was passed over for Chief twice - most recently after Natasha Fyles’ resignation over undisclosed shares shortly before Christmas.
Ms Manison last week made the unexpected announcement she would not recontest her seat in this year’s election, but said the decision was not motivated by her position in the party.
“I’ve had all of my three children since I’ve been a member of parliament,” she told ABC radio on Monday morning.
“Over Christmas I had a bit of time to reflect, it was actually the longest continuous time I’ve spent with my kids since they were born.
“I’ve decided it’s time I need to give more time to them.”
Asked if things would have been different had she won the Chief Minister ballot, Ms Manison paused before answering.
“We’ve got a new Chief Minister in Eva and - I do sincerely mean this - I think she’s going to do a fantastic job,” she said.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve made a lot of sacrifice over that time, I have given it my absolute all.”
It had not been easy being a woman and a mother in politics, Ms Manison said, but she hoped her legacy would pave the way for future generations.
“When I had my first baby, even as a backbencher, some of the comments I got and some of the judgments and criticisms were absolutely outrageous,” she said.
“I’d like to think that the heavy lifting that people like myself and Natasha have done in our time serving is gonna make it a hell of a lot easier for future members.”
Ms Manison has been a well-liked member for Wanguri since 2013, holding on to the seat with a comfortable 19.6 per cent margin at the 2016 election.
While still considered a safe Labor seat, her departure could allow other parties to gain more of a foothold in Darwin’s northern suburbs.
Chief Minister Eva Lawler would not say if Labor had another candidate lined up, only that “somebody outstanding and brilliant should replace her, somebody just like Nicole Manison”.
“If you’re a Territorian and that lives in that area, and you think you have some amazing ideas that you’re passionate about the neighborhood, put your hand up ... even if you’re not a member of the Labor Party,” Ms Lawler said.
Asked if it was a concern that Labor did not seem settled on their candidate just over seven months out from the election Ms Lawler said “ooh that’s just what you know ... I can tell you we’re very settled”.
“Sometimes it’s about timing and some of these people will be getting prepared ... we’ve got some outstanding candidates.”
Questioned directly on whether there was a Labor candidate for Wanguri the Chief Minister replied: “wait and see”.
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