NT Election 2024: Guide to Barkly, Daly, Goyder, Katherine and Nelson
Over-development, housing shortages, and lifestyle have emerged as key issues for voters in the Top End’s Rural Area, which is set to be a region to watch at this year’s NT election.
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Over-development, housing shortages, and lifestyle have emerged as key issues for voters in the Top End’s Rural Area, which is set to be a region to watch at this year’s NT election.
Independent MLA Kezia Purick’s retirement has left her Goyder seat open to a fresh face for the first time in 16 years.
Ms Purick has endorsed another independent, Belinda Kolstad, who has a good chance at the polls – helped by a general sense of Rural Area voters’ uniqueness that can favour maverick candidates.
The region generally trends conservative, and there is a strong chance Labor’s Speaker Dheran Young will lose his hold on Daly on Saturday.
Daly was won by the CLP at the last election, but secured by Labor in 2021 – the first time in the NT’s history a sitting government won a seat from the opposition in a by-election.
Professor Rolf Gerritsen, a political and economic expert, said this year’s outcome would be a battle between the northern and southern regions of the seat.
“When Young won that by-election the CLP was hopeless – disorganised, no money, infighting,” he said.
“That’s been fixed up, the branches are organised so the CLP will be more formidable, and Daly has been held by the CLP for more than half it’s existence.
“I suspect the Top End of that electorate, the Daly part, will swing to the CLP, so the question is whether Labor can hold their vote in communities like Wadeye and Peppimenarti where Young has been active as a member.”
In the bush seat of Barkly, Labor insiders have some hope the electorate could be regained from Shadow Attorney-General Steve Edgington who won by just five votes in 2020.
Mr Edgington won in part due to strong support in Borroloola – the home town of his rival Labor candidate Lizzie Hogan.
Professor Gerritsen nonetheless said he felt confident the CLP would retain the seat.
“It was punishingly close, but Edgington’s been campaigning ever since the last election,” he said.
“He’s out in the bush meeting people, and a lot of Aboriginal people – people generally vote for who they know.
“I’m not convinced Labor’s been across that electorate.”
The NT News asked each candidate to identify the top three issues facing their electorate, and what they plan to do about them. Here’s what they had to say.
JUMP TO: Barkly | Daly | Goyder | Katherine | Nelson
BARKLY
The division of Barkly occupies the eastern half of the interior of the Northern Territory. It extends from just south of the Sandover Highway in the south, to just north of the Carpentaria Highway in the north. The division includes the Barkly Tableland, the regional centre of Tennant Creek and the communities of Ali Curung, Alpurrurulam, Ampilatwatja, Arlparra, Borroloola, Daly Waters, Elliott, Larrimah, and Ti Tree.
Steve Edgington (CLP)
Barkly Regional Deal
The Barkly is the heart of the Territory and with your help we can end decades of Labor neglect, return our region to prosperity and secure our future.
The reality is that Labor has been in power for 19 of the past 23 years and has forgotten about the Barkly. The Barkly Regional Deal was meant to turn things around and provide a better future but only five of the 28 initiatives under the deal have been delivered.
Crime has gotten worse under Labor and if we continue to do things the same way we will continue to get the same results. You have a very important decision to make about our future – more of the same under Labor, or a better and brighter future under a CLP government.
Community government councils
The CLP is committed to restoring control of communities to Aboriginal people and strengthening service delivery. As part of my commitment to you, if elected as part of the CLP government, I will deliver community government councils to give Tennant Creek and communities in the Barkly a real voice by doing away with super shires and investing in community councils. We will also fully implement the Barkly Regional Deal and ensure every dollar spent in the next four years will provide better services, improved community safety, tourism and economic growth.
Crime
By putting in place a crime reduction plan and a youth action plan focused on early intervention and prevention, real consequences for offending and structure rehabilitation programs for youth, we can put an end to the endless cycle of reoffending. A CLP government will hold violent offenders to account and we will ensure any person that commits a serious violent offence faces court with the starting position of no bail. We will take the handcuffs off police and put them onto offenders where they belong.
Lizzie Hogan (Labor)
I’m a Waanyi, Garrawa, Gudanji woman with cultural, family and friendship connections across the Barkly and for that reason it’s important to me to progress the development of every town and community in this region.
I have seen the benefits of Territory Labor’s policies and investments across the Territory – and I want to progress further opportunities for social and economic development across the Barkly.
Safe, secure affordable housing is the cornerstone of better health, education, employment and wellbeing; and Territory’s Labor’s unprecedented investment in remote housing has already changed the landscape in Barkly communities with around 500 new and improved homes.
The recently-announced additional $4bn Territory-wide remote housing investment puts us on a whole new trajectory into prosperity. This will deliver another 2700 new homes in the bush over the next decade.
Only Territory Labor knows how to build homes in the bush. The CLP don’t care about people living in the bush and they will cut programs to build more houses in the bush and redirect that money to Darwin.
Emerging exploration and minerals processing projects in the Barkly are already boosting business and employment and I want to maximise education and training pathways for local youth through industry partnerships. It is especially important to reconnect our disengaged youth through such opportunities so we can break the cycle of crime and intergenerational unemployment.
I’m standing for Barkly because I want this to be a place where we all feel safe, happy and connected; and I know I have the skills, experience, and drive to bring everyone together, regardless of colour, nationality, or race.
This election is a chance for us all to make a positive difference and I’m working hard to be the one to lead the Barkly in a better direction.
DALY
The division of Daly surrounds the Darwin region to the south and west of the Top End. It extends to Kakadu National Park and Katherine in the east, the Victoria River and just south of the Victoria Highway in the south, and Darwin Harbour in the north. The division of Daly includes the towns of Adelaide River, Batchelor, Dundee Beach and Pine Creek, the outer Darwin suburbs of Berry Springs, Livingstone, Fly Creek, Southport, and Wagait Beach, and the remote communities of Belyuen, Nauiyu (Daly River), Nganmarriyanga, Peppimenarti, Timber Creek, and Wadeye.
Kris Civitarese (CLP)
Support for the bush
Remote communities in Daly have been forgotten under Labor, homes have been promised and not built, roads are in poor repair and communities get cut off. Seasonal road closures of Port Keats Road can make food scarce and drives up cost of living. Unlike Labor, the CLP supports the community and commits to prioritising Port Keats and continuing to seal additional sections each year. The CLP will properly invest in our roads and highways to make them more resilient. We will also ensure that the funding allocated for homes in the bush is spent quickly and responsibly.
Protecting our rural lifestyle
Living in Berry Springs with my wonderful wife Nicole, I love the rural lifestyle. That’s why I am running for the CLP, as only the rural CLP team understands what our rural area wants and needs. We’re protecting our rural way of life by upgrading boat ramps and phasing out gillnet fishing to make recreational fishing even better. New hunting reserves, locked in season dates and bag limits for magpie geese and ducks will give hunters more certainty and more areas to enjoy. Locally I’m supporting the Douglas Daly School who have been campaigning tirelessly for a new playground and led by example with their own fundraising. The CLP will assist this effort with a further $100,000. The local facility at Berry Springs is used for so many social and community events but its kitchen is not up to scratch and in need of a refurb. I’m proud that a CLP government would contribute $300,000 to a new community hub with better kitchen facilities and social areas. The rural CLP team are also backing rural sport with $1m for lights at Norbuilt oval so our Southern Districts footy can grow and offer night-time games.
Dheran Young (Labor)
I’m focused on ensuring the $12.4m upgrade to the Dundee Beach Boat Ramp delivers the best results for local fishos, local businesses and every visitor to our incredible part of the Territory. The project includes the reconstruction of the groyne, an accessible footpath, a fishing platform and a walkway jetty. This will provide more land-based fishing opportunities and make it easier for boats to get in and out of the harbour.
I’m also proud to be part of Eva Lawler’s team that will ban commercial gillnets used for barra fishing to ensure the Territory remains the best place in Australia for rec fishing. We know how great the barra fishing is in our part of the Territory and Eva Lawler will protect our favourite fishing spots for years to come.
I’ll also make sure that our region gets its fair share of the extended funding for the Aboriginal Grants Program. Eva Lawler has committed to funding another $12m over the next four years, if Labor is re-elected. This program delivers training and jobs on country and is a great example of the work we are doing to get the Territory working.
I’m also focused on working with Eva Lawler on the roll out of the $4bn remote housing build – in partnership with the federal government – over the next 10 years. This will deliver an extra 2700 homes in the bush over the next decade. We’ve got a strong track record of building more homes in the bush. Since Labor was elected in 2016, we’ve built or upgraded almost 4000 homes in the bush. That means less overcrowding and better health outcomes for our bush communities.
GOYDER
The division of Goyder is situated in the rural area to the south east of Darwin and includes the suburbs of Acacia Hills, Bees Creek, Black Jungle, Humpty Doo, Lambells Lagoon, Lloyd Creek, Marrakai, Middle Point, Mount Bundey, Noonamah, and Virginia.
Andrew Mackay (CLP)
Protecting our rural lifestyle
I grew up and worked in the rural area and I currently live with my amazing partner Mel in Humpty Doo. I love our rural area and our lifestyle and I’m passionate about protecting it. Only a CLP government will stand up for us being able to do the things we love, like hunting, camping and fishing and not over regulating our lifestyle. The CLP’s plan includes upgrading boat ramps, phasing out gillnet fishing, new hunting reserves and trailer rego for up to three years. We are committed to no boat licenses, no boat registration, no fishing licenses and no park entry fees for locals.
More investment in the Rural Area
The rural area has been forgotten under Labor. A CLP government will invest in the rural area’s sports and recreation facilities by putting money towards Freds Pass Reserve – starting with $1m for lighting upgrades for the Southern Districts Football Club, $100,000 towards playground upgrades for the Humpty Doo Golf Club and new sports equipment and storage for Middle Point School. We will upgrade our dangerous intersections such as the Humpty Doo Shops/Arnhem Hwy intersection so that our kids, parents and community are safe. We will also look after our water supply so we can continue to live in the best part of the Territory.
Community safety
We never used to lock our gates, cars or homes out here, now people are buying padlocks and hiding car keys inside. Residents tell me they no longer feel safe living out here and that crime is coming to the rural area. Only a CLP government will introduce consequences for crimes and put the rights of people to be safe over violent offenders. We will back our police and invest in support services, bootcamps and skills training to break the revolving door and cycle of crime. We should feel safe in our homes and at work and our rights should be put ahead of those that do the wrong thing.
Sandy Griffin (Labor)
Goyder has a diversity of people, cultures, business interests and activities, which gives rise to a broad mix of concerns for residents. If elected, my key areas of focus for Goyder will be rural planning, road safety, fire and weeds, biosecurity and equity in community services. More broadly, the Labor team are focused on community safety, housing, education and cost of living, which will also benefit Goyder. People live in Goyder because they love the rural lifestyle. If elected, I will work to address concerns about rural planning in future proposed developments and subdivisions in Goyder and neighbouring electorates.
Goyder’s road toll is disproportionately high. Goyder includes the main arterial routes in and out of Darwin and we share our roads with tourists, fishers, buses and trucks. If elected, I will fight for Goyder’s fair share of the $2.2bn already committed to by the Lawler Labor government for improving road safety in the NT, including the Arnhem Hwy duplication.
Goyder’s valiant volunteer firefighters risk their lives every year to protect our residents and businesses from bushfire in a landscape increasingly affected by gamba grass. If elected, I will seek to improve gamba management, to ease the pressure on our volunteers and reduce the cost (both financial and environmental) from uncontrolled bushfires.
Goyder is home to important agribusinesses doing it tough because of biosecurity issues and impacts from fire. If elected, I will advocate for improved support for our agribusinesses, both in combating biosecurity threats and supporting recovery from fire. Community facilities in Goyder are extremely limited in comparison to Darwin and Palmerston. If elected, I will fight for improved bus services and community facilities. This includes starting planning now for future school needs to meet our growing population.
Trevor Jenkins (Independent)
I’d advocate for an all-weather indoor outdoor netball tennis courts plus a pool at Taminmin College, the village green, or somewhere in Humpty Doo, where kids could train, have rural netball tennis comps and swimming meets at a social hub bringing people together.
Roads and lights
A bus driver told me the Arnhem Hwy is a disgrace. There are dead spots, unlit sections, dangerous edges, and blind spots for kids on quads, buggies and trail bikes. Some roads flood all wet season. Take the issue seriously and visit every place personally. Have a chalkboard in the office with every road and problem, and a phone nearby with council and private contractors all consulted for an answer quickly – not with twenty more questions.
Social cohesion
The same bus lady said ‘who are we anymore, what has society become, mutual respect has died’. The only way back is law and order, and a dedicated rural trained police force, with horses, trail bikes, fast cars, patrolling on the beat, real results and real consequences. At the same time we need a real response for young families struggling, poor people and those with a creative and artistic bent. We need a new rural library, art gallery, community centre, or somewhere for local groups to help foster community and business ventures. Churches also need space and have a vital role to play.
Belinda Kolstad (Independent)
As an independent member, if elected, I would work with all parties and other independents to achieve positive outcomes for the rural people and areas.
Planning
Planning and future development applications to create urban size blocks smaller than 800sq m at Noonamah Ridge, Holtze and Kowandi are all micro subdivisions and not appropriate for the rural area. We must commit to Weddell.
Water resources, security and management
I will work with stakeholders to ensure our water resources are managed well and fairly. I support bringing Manton Dam back on line and the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage project
Social upheaval, crime and community safety
The fences are higher, the dogs are bigger and large paddock locks are more prevalent – this has to change and stronger laws are needed as a deterrent to youth and other crime.
Mathew Salter (Independent)
I live in the rural area and have a proven 10-year track record on Litchfield Council. With my experience I will put the following issues front and centre in the legislative assembly. As an independent I will be doing what’s best for the rural area - not what’s best for a political party.
Freds Pass Reserve
Freds Pass Reserve is a ‘region sporting hub’. We need the government to help fund basic infrastructure - such as irrigation, toilets, carparking, lighting, and drainage. My dream is for an NRL or an AFL game to be held at the Freds Pass Reserve. Freds Pass also needs an Arts Centre - as not everyone is into sports, which will help create a healthy and balanced community.
Roads and Intersections
I am running for Goyder because during my 10 years on Litchfield Council I know dangerous black spot intersections – some, that have been outstanding for eight years; The Freds Pass Rd and Arnhem Hwy intersection is dangerous and needs four lanes; Bees Creek Rd at Freds Pass needs a dedicated slip lane for residents heading to Palmerston; The roundabout at Girraween Rd also needs a dedicated slip lane.
Planning
The NT Planning Commission needs to scrap the Humpty Doo Area Plan because it creates more questions than it answers. Why reduce the size of blocks along the Arnhem Hwy from five to one acre? This allows new owners to clear their entire block, which changes the whole basis of rural living - which is about peace and quiet, veggie gardens, possums, lorikeets, quads, and nature. It also jeopardises Horne Creek, Collard Creek and Edwin Creek and the Humpty Doo Wetlands areas. Do we need to keep 100m distances from existing bores and septics? Will there be street lights? Underground storm water? What about roads?
KATHERINE
The division of Katherine for the most part follows the municipality borders of the Katherine Town Council, with the exception of the Tindal RAAF base and the outer Katherine suburb of Venn which are in the division of Arnhem.
Sam Phelan (Independent)
Community safety
Domestic violence and lawlessness is at epidemic levels. We cannot wait for legislative changes or new prison builds. With extreme collaboration we are a small enough town to fix this. I will call a community wide emergency summit with full-service mapping across all NGO’s and services to create an immediate safety plan for our town. We need to increase real rostered police numbers, have strong engagement from Aboriginal leaders and youth, review RSA compliance, develop a comprehensive alcohol plan, create a shared 24/7 patrol, urgently address family violence, establish return to country programs, review bail laws and supports, assist business owners to conduct safety and security audits, and establish shelters and remote camps for at risk youth and families.
Staff retention and housing
Katherine is chronically understaffed. I will lobby to list us a remote location for HECS purposes, engage Big Rivers teenagers in the unskilled labour market, with small business assistance programs, and expand CDU, to train our own. To alleviate the housing crisis, we need government buy back of housing infrastructure for subsidised and public housing, incentivised investment in the housing market for first home buyers and essential workers, and the building of specialist niche housing based on demand such as for aged care.
Fracking, water and big agriculture
Our waterways are at risk. Excess extraction and nutrient load has damaged the Murray Darling. The same growers have relocated, and their lobby group is strong. If large, irrigated industry is to proceed it needs to be in tiny steps with strong monitoring. I will engage with independent and department scientists at every step and ensure water planning is precautionary and water law reform occurs. Without full Pepper Inquiry implementation, I cannot support fracking. We need a redirection of fossil fuel subsidies towards training, employment and recreation of Katherine as a modern renewable energy economic hub.
Nick Lovering (Labor)
I’m an award-winning school principal and highly respected school leader across the NT. I’ve worked for 24 years in education and worked across all sectors of the Territory’s school system. I know the power of education.
I’ll fight for Katherine to ensure that our fair share of the $1bn boost to all Territory public schools is delivered for Katherine. This will mean our kids have better access to the best facilities, top teachers and improved equipment to learn. We need to invest more in education and reduce barriers to schooling for all Territory students. Through education, we can create a working future for our young people who will drive the innovation and social structures of the future.
A re-elected Lawler Labor government will invest $500,000 into improving amenities at the Katherine Showgrounds. A great boost for the Katherine Turf Club and AFL players in Katherine. After helping to resurrect the Katherine South Football Club in 2017 – the team went on to win three premierships in the local football competition in just six seasons – I know how critical it is to local communities to have access to great sporting facilities. Sport is such a key part of the Territory lifestyle and I’m proud to be part of Eva Lawler’s team that is pledging an $8m fund for sports clubs and associations to upgrade their facilities.
A re-elected Lawler Labor government will support the Katherine Golf Club by investing $600,000 to improve its groundwater capture and storage ensuring the course is maintained throughout the year to the highest possible standard.
We will invest $150,000 into a thorough scope of work for a new Katherine Recreation Centre ensuring community consultation with sporting groups and service providers. This will result in a comprehensive report for government consideration.
Jo Hersey (CLP)
Youth crime
Katherine locals are sick of living in fear, and our business owners are fed up with constant break-ins. The failure of Labor to intervene in young people’s lives had led to youth here in Katherine going down the wrong path. The CLP will address this, we know that these young people need support and a safe place to live and we’ll work with communities to bring back accountability. When crimes are committed, youth need to be shown a better way. Every parent knows that when it comes to raising kids, there is a time for cuddles and a time for consequences, only the CLP will get the balance right and break the ongoing cycle of crime.
Education
As the Shadow Education Minister, I’ve worked with my CLP team on our plan to get kids back to school. The shocking decline of school attendance under Labor has to stop. The CLP are not afraid to hold parents responsible for depriving their kids of access to education and their basic needs like food, clothing, health and education. We’ll also invest in keeping teachers here in Katherine, we will provide financial certainty by moving them off short term contracts into permanent places. This will give confidence to put down roots in our community.
Rebuilding the Katherine economy
Having run my own business here for 25 years, I know how hard it is. Over the last eight years, I’ve seen hardworking business owners constantly let down and having to pick up the tab of a failed Labor government. Look at Carrie from the Beauty Bar, after constant break-ins she’s had enough and closed her doors. The CLP back small business and our plan to lower taxes will help provide some relief for them to invest back in their business. Reducing crime here will not only mean businesses are no longer paying for repairs of windows and loss of stock, but will mean we can better attract the workforce we need.
NELSON
The division of Nelson lies in the rural area immediately to the east of Darwin and Palmerston. The division includes the outer Darwin suburbs of Girraween, Herbert, Holtze, Howard Springs, Koolpinyah, Knuckey Lagoon, McMinns Lagoon, Murrumujuk, and Shoal Bay.
Anthony Venes (Labor)
For 28 years, I have passionately supported our rural community, enhancing local schools, sports clubs, and organisations to create a strong, inclusive environment. My focus has always been on providing opportunities and resources for everyone.
Fairness, equality, and social justice drive me. In my roles, I have advocated for more local sports teams and inclusive job opportunities. By supporting those less fortunate, we strengthen our community, ensuring everyone has a fair go and a chance to succeed. I believe in collaboration and positive actions. My community fundraisers and support for local schools and sports clubs reflect this. At work, I have implemented inclusive hiring practices and training programs, helping people overcome employment barriers. My efforts have also improved infrastructure and access to services in rural areas, emphasising the importance of mutual support and collaboration.
I’ll be focused on working hard with Eva Lawler on her common sense plan to reduce crime, with a record breaking $570m boost to the NT Police Force over the next five years.
Collaboration is key to community growth. I have worked on projects like the Mantiyupwi initiative at the Pumulayu Child and Family Centre and the Marpularri Prawn Farm, showcasing my commitment to community development. At AFL NT, I enhanced NTFL Finals Series access and merged competitions to benefit local athletes, football supporters and sponsors. I was also actively involved in establishing the Taminmin College Sports Academy Program, using sport to provide advanced educational opportunities to rural youth.
With a solid record of community service and leadership, I am ready to serve Nelson in the NT Legislative Assembly. My vision includes better public services, robust community support, and sustainable development. Your vote is for a dedicated, community-focused leader committed to making Nelson a vibrant place for all.
Gerard Maley (CLP)
Lifestyle
The CLP is the only team who knows, cares and will properly invest in the rural area, and as a member of a CLP government I’ll work hard to protect our Territory lifestyle, invest in our natural assets and stand up for hunting, fishing and camping. Being able to enjoy the outdoors is central to our rural lifestyle and as part of a CLP government I’ll focus on protecting and improving our way of life, including the phasing out of gillnetting to allow recreational fishos a better chance to catch a barramundi, $1m for lights at Norbuilt Oval so our Southern Districts footy can grow and offer night-time games, and $100,000 to build a new shaded playground at the Humpty Doo Golf Club for local families.
Roads
Having good, safe roads is critical to the rural area so we can keep locals and visitors safe when travelling through our patch, and keep our communities connected. Along with more focus on our rural roads, a CLP government will invest in upgrades to the Girraween Rd/Howard River crossing, including a carpark and safe area for land-based fishing – keeping both drivers and fishers safe.
Economy and cost of living
Responsible and experienced economic management is the first step to fixing the Territory’s economy, and the CLP is the only team with a plan and the knowledge to keep our economy strong and growing, to the benefit of all Territorians. Under Labor, our economy has gone backwards and our cost of living has skyrocketed – it’s got to stop. Local businesses are the backbone of the Territory and only a CLP government will support our businesses with lower taxes, grow jobs and ease the pressure on household budgets. By working harder and smarter, and getting our economy back on track, is the best way to ensure residents can continue to enjoy our rural way of life.
Beverley Ratahi (Independent)
Cost of living
Cost of living isn’t just affecting us in the NT, but it is the number one issue raised by residents struggling with costs. I will support the commitments by both parties to deliver support, subject to them being costed and transparent if there are cuts to frontline services to pay for them. I will oppose any attempt to sell Power and Water Corporation. I will seek the support of the NT government to lobby the federal government to increase our zone allowance, as the reasons to reduce it no longer stack up and we all deserve equality with zone and district allowances.
Planning and urbanisation of the rural area
This is a major concern, due to previous attempts to “slice and dice” for the benefit of developers with negative effects on the lifestyle of existing residents. My priority will be to ensure that planning is consultative; urban development is contained to the district activity centres; rural area minimum lot sizes are 1ha, not 0.4ha, which are not subject to clearing restrictions; our environment is protected; and water and sewerage are prime considerations in all decisions. I will advocate for the proposed township of Weddell, which is the best site for future growth.
Protecting and enhancing our rural lifestyle
I’ll advocate for education, sports including fishing and hunting, arts, transport, child/youth activities, health services, volunteer fire brigades, wildlife and gamba grass control as a priority, as there have been no outcomes from the local member for four years. I will work with relevant organisations and stakeholders to establish priorities and acquire the evidence base to inform submissions and advocacy. In response to concerns, I will investigate recreational registration options for bikes and quads, with conditions, with the aim to bolster our rural lifestyle and improve safety on a currently unregulated activity.
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