NT Election 2024: Guide to Port Darwin, Fong Lim and Fannie Bay
Territorians are heading to the polls on Saturday, and in the inner Darwin region Labor faces the possibility of losing three key seats. Here’s how candidates are hoping to win your vote.
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Territorians are heading to the polls on Saturday, and in the inner Darwin region Labor faces the possibility of losing three key seats.
With incumbent Port Darwin MLA Paul Kirby retiring, Labor is braced to lose its hold on the CBD electorate – formerly a CLP heartland and an area hit hard by escalating crime over the past few years.
In Fong Lim, Education Minister Mark Monaghan won by just 2.6 per cent at the last election, and with a general swing expected towards the opposition, questions remain about whether he has done enough to secure a second term.
Police Minister Brent Potter has risen in profile and popularity since winning Fannie Bay in a narrow 2022 by-election, but faces challenges from both sides – the NT Greens pinning their hopes on the seat to deliver the party its first candidate elected into Territory politics.
Charles Darwin University political and economic researcher Rolf Gerritsen predicted Port Darwin and Fong Lim would fall to the CLP, while Fannie Bay was “at the margins”.
“The seats at the margin can depend very largely on the electorate’s perception of the candidate – and that’s more important in the Territory than elsewhere in Australia because our electorates are so small,” Professor Gerritsen said.
Each electorate in the NT hosts about 6000 voters.
“It’s a truism of NT elections that about a third of the electorate did not vote in the last election because they’ve recently arrived in the Territory, but we don’t have that interstate migration this time because of the state of the economy.
“Normally what happens is that people come to the Territory with whatever political allegiance they had down south, but this time how much work the candidate has done on the ground – door knocking and working the electorate – that will really come into play.”
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.
PORT DARWIN
The division of Port Darwin includes the inner city suburbs of Cullen Bay, the Darwin CBD and Larrakeyah.
Greg Dickson (NT Greens)
Our CBD and anti-social behaviour
I love living in our CBD. I know that Port Darwin residents worry about difficult behaviour in CBD streets and the impacts it has on local trade and business. The Greens know housing and homelessness is a major contributing factor so we want to make sure all Territorians have safer homes and somewhere to sleep. We need more crisis accommodation, a drop-in centre for local youth and we need real commitment to improve the provision of public and affordable housing. This will in turn give business and the public more confidence to see commerce and business in the CBD flourish.
Climate, nature and gas
Port Darwin residents value the Territory’s natural treasures, just like all Territorians. We are surrounded by water and the stunning Darwin Harbour but we know political games and corporate donations are putting the harbour at risk. We see people from across the Territory come to Parliament House and plead our politicians to not frack their country or abuse rivers for mining or cotton. Our residents know that our future lies in renewable energy, not fracking even more fossil fuel basins. Greens want real action on climate change and will invest in renewables, end fracking and not waste $1.5bn on Middle Arm.
Renting and cost of living
The Port Darwin electorate has a whopping 72 per cent of residents renting, and we have really copped it as rents have boomed in recent years. The impacts of rent increases on the cost of living are real. The Greens are working nationally to bring in a rent freeze for two years and have increases capped after that. We will also bring in an independent bond board in the NT for the first time and make ‘no grounds evictions’ illegal. We all know people with horror rental stories thanks to the NT having the worst rental protections in the country. Renters deserve to feel secure.
Janey Davies (Independent)
Public service overhaul
If I am elected to the NT parliament, I will introduce a Bill to parliament to amend the Public Sector Employment Act to ensure any and all suspensions of employees and/or NT police officers will be with pay only. The amendments would create more permanency and job security for thousands of non-executive staff, and would amend the scope of special measures. It would also improve long service leave entitlements for all NT public servants.
Voluntary Assisted Dying
An urgent priority wanted by the majority of seniors and NT citizens is the right to die with dignity. The NT is the only jurisdiction in Australia without these right. Former Chief Minister Natasha Fyles and her cohort had the evidence there was a majority vote, yet failed to have the courage to listen to the community needs – something very indicative of the last eight years of the ALP government.
Port Darwin lease
The lease of the Darwin Port was secretive and organised without community consultation by 2015 Chief Minister Adam Giles. The local Darwin Waterfront community could be directly impacted by a foreign actor managing a military asset. CCTV cameras are ubiquitous throughout the Port Darwin electorate (and I am concerned about the possibility of) digital information being accessed by China; our privacy has been infiltrated without consultation which is troubling as a local resident.
Robyn Cahill (CLP)
Community Safety
Residents are sick of changing the way they live their lives because they don’t feel safe. You only have to look at Johnn Johnn’s ice-cream closing due to anti-social behaviour to know we have a serious problem.
Only the CLP team have a plan to reduce crime, we will immediately strengthen the law to make people safe, we’ll ensure police have the powers they need to address crime and we’re the only ones with a plan to retain our experienced police force.
Importantly we will address the root causes of crime, we’ll work with Indigenous mentors when it comes to youth boot camps and we will work with communities and parents to get kids back to school.
Revitalising our local economy
When I came to Darwin it was a different place, business was booming and opportunities were endless, I want to get back to that Darwin, and I know we absolutely can. The CLP team’s plan to grow our economy includes lower taxes for small businesses so they can grow, employ more locals and pass on savings. Our game-changing housing incentives will not only help Territorians to build a new home, but will encourage population growth. Our plan to convert vacant CBD buildings into student accommodation will not only mean local businesses get the workforce they need but it will see a reactivation of the CBD.
And by making it safe, we will once again see tourists come back into Darwin giving our economy the shot in the arm it needs.
Access to Healthcare
Having worked 30 years in the health industry, I’ve seen just how badly Labor’s mismanagement has impacted Territorians. When I talk to people they tell me they’re scared to get sick or injured because they are worried they won’t get the help they need.
I want to use my experience to fix Labor’s mess. By tackling alcohol related harm with better support and rehabilitation, we can take the pressure off our emergency departments. By prioritising spending in health we can bring down surgery wait times, and by making it safe we will be able to keep and attract the workforce we need.
Leah Potter (Independent)
Economic stimulus
Supporting business operators, attracting visitors and tourists to Darwin City, and stimulating the local economy are key issues. If elected, I pledge to roll out a Port Darwin stimulus program which issues a debit card to every eligible voter in the electorate to the value of $20,000 to be spent at businesses within the electoral boundaries. Similar to a basics card, but without any limitations on which items you may purchase. The only limits are that the debit card must be used within the electorate and the $20,000 balance used within 12 months. You can use if for dining out, hair services, souvenirs, artwork, ice cream, eyelashes, Uncle Sam’s, boat cruises, petrol or more – any business with an eftpos terminal registered within the electorate.
Community safety
Safety for residents, visitors and business operators in Port Darwin is a key issue. If elected, I pledge to roll out two fully-manned night patrol vehicles working the city streets seven days per week, filling the gap where current night patrol services stop taking calls at 10pm.
Incorporating a team of mental health specialists particularly trained for Darwin conditions, connecting people who are sleeping rough with dry-out shelters, health care providers, accommodation, food and other essential street services and including the “Return to Country” program. I’m tired of seeing millions of dollars spent shuffling people around while homelessness, anti-social behaviour and addiction continues to impact Darwin.
Medical care
We need a 24 hour medical centre for Port Darwin. If elected, I pledge to upgrade the Doctor’s Gully precinct, renovate and re-open Banyan house for rehab services and develop the old tank rock climbing gym into a 300 bed dry-out shelter.
Brian Manning (Labor)
If elected, I will deliver investments and programs that make Port Darwin safer, ensure Darwin remains a thriving cultural and tourism destination and improve sustainability.
As part of the Lawler Labor government, we will continue to deliver its common sense plan to improve community safety by addressing the challenges of anti-social behaviour and crime across the Port Darwin electorate.
The government’s record funding of an extra $570m into the NT Police Force over the next five years will deliver an extra 200 sworn officers, 70 more support staff to help police focus on frontline duties, an additional 25 emergency call takers and a dedicated $125m police infrastructure fund.
Additionally, if re-elected, the Lawler government will commit an extra $1.4m to provide more private security services, who already play a crucial role in curbing anti-social behaviour across the Darwin CBD.
I’ll also be working with apartment body corporates across Port Darwin to access the federal government’s community solar bank program. Encouraging the installation of shared rooftop solar systems apartment complexes, potentially slashing power bills by up to $500 for residents per year.
I want to ensure Darwin remains the nation’s cultural capital by continuing to fund major events such as the Darwin Festival, Darwin Fringe Festival and iconic multicultural events.
We have a beautiful city, that’s why I want to work with stakeholders to support a Sunday market within the boundaries of the Port Darwin electorate, creating a vibrant community space for residents and visitors alike, while also supporting small businesses.
As a father of five, I know that every dollar counts for Territorians right now. To build on the cost-of-living relief measures implemented by the Lawler Labor government – including the addition $50 added to the Seniors Recognition Card to make it $550 – I’ll be advocating for the introduction of a third-supermarket chain in the Darwin CBD to increase competition and ensure lower prices.
FONG LIM
The division of Fong Lim includes the suburbs of Bayview, Coonawarra, Eaton, Hidden Valley, The Narrows, Stuart Park, Winnellie, and Woolner, as well as a portion of Berrimah.
Simon Niblock (NT Greens)
Government decisions and integrity
An issue for people across all sides of politics is integrity in our government. How do we know that our representatives are making the right decisions and listening to the community? We know that a small number of big business interests try to dominate Territory politics and the major parties don’t stand up to them. The Greens are the only party that don’t take corporate political donations. We want to ban corporate donations and create a level playing field in elections, bring in a lobbyist register and shine a light on how decisions are made.
Cost of living and inequality
Some people in Fong Lim are doing well, but the cost of living crisis is hitting almost everyone and especially people on low incomes. Nationally, the Greens are pushing for action against the big corporations and banks driving up food and grocery prices and the cost of housing. Here in the NT, so much public money is thrown away on big lobbyist projects like Middle Arm. That money should be spent on good public services for all of us. Having spent nine years as a Councillor on the City of Darwin, I saw what well-funded community services can do.
Climate change and the environment
I hear from Territorians that we love our natural environment and we’re worried about climate change. The pendulum has swung too far towards letting big business do what they want: fracking expensive new gas fields when we could have more jobs and clean energy with solar, and planning to clear and irrigate massive areas of land to grow cotton when we know what a disaster cotton has been for rivers and communities in the Murray-Darling. We need a Green voice in the Territory parliament to keep an eye on both major parties and speak up for nature.
Tanzil Rahman (CLP)
Crime
Having grown up in Karama, and now living in Stuart Park this is not the Territory I know and love. It never used to be a place where you had to live looking over your shoulder. Making it safe will not only mean families can go back to living their lives the way they want to, but it will mean we don’t keep seeing businesses closing. Our plan not only addresses the need for stronger laws, but is a long-term investment in breaking the cycle of crime. We will address the root causes of crime, bring back accountability, get kids back to school and work with Indigenous mentors to get it right.
Rebuilding our Economy
I love the Territory’s unique lifestyle and have never stopped believing in our economic potential. We need quality public education, healthcare, and housing and under the CLP we can deliver that by rebuilding the Territory’s economy. I want to use my skills and professional experience to drive economic change, and help local families get ahead. Together with the CLP team, we can sustainably grow our economy and population, and rebuild the NT.
Listening to locals
For the past four years Labor has been talking about moving St Vinnies from Stuart Park but in that time they’ve done nothing but fight among themselves. The CLP will find a permanent home for St Vinnies outside of our community where those who need these services can access them. We’ll work with Vinnies to get it right – not just kick the can down the road like the current Labor member has done. When I’m out doorknocking people tell me they are sick of not being listened to on this issue and others. If given the opportunity I will be a local member who is always available to work with my community to find the right solutions.
Amye Un (Independent)
Reduce crime
To reduce crime we have to educate people. Focusing on punishments leads to more criminality. We need to offer more opportunities for training and education to people in the justice system.
Improve business
Businesses in Fong Lim would benefit from more place-making, such as a nice carpark and places making it more attractive for people to stop and shop.
Clean up Fong Lim
We need to clean up and tidy up Fong Lim to make it more beautiful, such as by planting more trees for the community.
Mark Monaghan (Labor)
Fong Lim is one of the Territory’s best electorates with a rich history and vibrant community lifestyle and I will continue to work each and every day for the constituents I represent to ensure it only gets better.
I’m not shying away from the fact that our community faces its share of anti-social behaviour, but through the Lawler Labor government’s common sense plan to improve community safety we will deliver the results the community expects. We are delivering 200 extra officers on our streets, more patrol cars in our neighbourhood and a record investment of $570m into police will keep our community safe and secure.
If re-elected, I will deliver a million dollar upgrade and beautification project to Stuart Park. With St Vincent De Pauls moving from Westralia Street there is a community led plan backed by funding ready to go for what comes in its place which could be anything from new shop fronts like cafes and stores, to outdoor dining or even a childcare centre.
I will also immediately deliver upgrades to the surrounding areas of Westralia Street, particularly Bill Sullivan Park, and expand the beatification project to the entrance of Stuart Park along the Stuart Highway and the Chinese Memorial Cemetery walkway.
The Fong Lim community is filled with thriving families young and old, as such to help young families with cost of living pressures the Lawler Labor government will deliver a positive preschool plan that doubles free preschool hours from 15 to 30, saving a young Territory family at least $5000 a year.
And once a family saves $5000 with the preschool plan and their kids hit primary school age they will be greeted with an increased Back to School voucher from $150 to $200 per child and a $900,000 redeveloped Kiss n Go at Stuart Park Primary to ease traffic congestion.
FANNIE BAY
The division Fannie Bay includes the suburbs of East Point, Fannie Bay, The Gardens, Parap, and Ludmilla.
Brent Potter (Labor)
I am committed to keeping Fannie Bay safe and vibrant and I have heard loud and clear the community expects continued investment into community safety, green spaces and our local amenities and schools.
The Lawler Labor Government is supporting our police with a historic investment of $570m which will see crime and anti-social behaviour decline, with 200 more officers to hit our streets over the next five years backed by more resources and more powers than ever before like curfew legislation.
A re-elected Lawler Labor government will also deliver a $1.4m funding boost to private security in areas like Parap, enabling the current Parap security patrols to not only continue but expand.
It is no secret Fannie Bay is home to the best reserve in Darwin, East Point Reserve, and as local member if re-elected I will expand the conservation zoning to protect East Point long into the future and also invest $50,000 to address the problem cane toad population.
As a deeply entrenched member of the community, I understand our kids need more places to play which is why I have committed to redeveloping the Parap kids pool and basketball court, alongside investing $80,000 for new play equipment at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club.
The constituents of Fannie Bay are my top priority. I was fortunate enough to have the communities trust instilled in me in 2022, when I promised to deliver a new Parap preschool, more CCTV and activate Vesteys Beach. As of today, all of these promises have been delivered and or are well underway. The old Parap preschool is now demolished and a construction tender on market build the new $10 million facility, more CCTV has been installed across the electorate and a tender awarded to activate Vesteys starting in September.
Suki Dorras-Walker (NT Greens)
Community safety
People are telling me they want smart solutions to community safety. They’re frustrated that Labor and the CLP are throwing money at building more prisons without a long term plan for making us safe. This is a bandaid solution to grab votes rather than actually addressing the issue. People want long term solutions, addressing homelessness and domestic violence, and more youth services on our streets. That’s why they’re excited to see our community safety initiatives and want to see them being brought to parliament.
Integrity
Integrity is a big issue. People are feeling so let down by Labor and the CLP. Our representatives are putting big corporations first and our community last. That needs to change. I see people switch off from politics because they don’t see their own voices being represented. My campaign has shown how we can change politics together. I have run the biggest Greens campaign ever in the Territory. With over 100 volunteers, we’ve spoken to more than 1500 people, who are excited about making history and bringing integrity into parliament.
Environment
The environment is a huge concern for people I’ve doorknocked. People in Fannie Bay are worried that our government is wrecking our environment. They want to protect the Territory lifestyle, to be able to camp, hunt and fish on the weekend with their kids. But our representatives are putting our water at risk with fracking, by dredging our harbour to build a gas hub, and they’re clearing Lee Point which is so precious to so many here in Darwin. These projects don’t benefit our community or our economy, they just make massive profits for big corporations. We can’t keep voting for the same two parties expecting different results. This election, the people of Fannie Bay are making their vote count and they’re voting Green to put Territorians and our spectacular environment first.
Laurie Zio (CLP)
Crime and Anti-Social behaviour
Both the residents and the businesses of Fannie Bay are constantly impacted by rising crime and anti-social behaviour, it’s not good enough.
Families are telling me they are thinking of leaving the place they once loved. That’s why I am running as part of the CLP team because we are the only party with a real plan to address the issue. Having a husband in the police force I know the importance of our plan to give police the powers they need to do their job, and finally have a government that has their back. Personally from my own experience I know that we must address the generational issues, something that after 19 of the last 23 years Labor have failed to do. My background in education means I have first-hand experience in getting kids back to school, the programs I’ve worked on made such a difference to the lives of young people and their families. We need to invest in kids’ lives early, ensure they are cared for, valued and supported.
We need our lifestyle back
How many times did you used to hear the story that someone came for a holiday and stayed for a lifetime? You just don’t hear it anymore, because the inability to address the social issues has impacted the best thing about living here – our unmatched lifestyle. By making it safe again, we will get back to doing the things we love. Locally here in Fannie Bay, we have one of the most beautiful walks in the world right here, East Point Reserve. The CLP will fund improved lighting and upgrades to walkways and bike paths to increase personal safety, meaning we can all enjoy our local backyard again.
Preserving our Environment
While other parties talk about the environment, it’s just that, talk. They never do anything to protect it. The CLP’s sustainable park management plan, works to eliminate pests and promote native flora and fauna. We’ll work with Aboriginal rangers to maintain our environment and our waterways. Locals also tell me they want a sensible transition to renewable energy and are looking at ways they can be part of this in their own home. Many Territorians trusted Eva Lawler and invested in solar, only for the benefits Labor promised to be ripped away. The CLP will double the solar feed-in tariff in peak times, not only lowering energy bills but creating a greener future for our kids.
Leonard May (Independent)
Mr May could not be contacted for comment.
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