One winner and one loser from the Territory in Albo’s ministry announcement

One leader of the Territory is in a winning position and the other not so much after new Prime Minister Albanese announced his new ministry.

AUSTRALIAN Labor Party Senator Malarndirri McCarthy is the big Territory winner in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s new ministry.

Ambitious Solomon MP Luke Gosling is the Territory’s loser in Tuesday’s Labor ministry announcement.

Senator McCarthy, a six-year veteran of the Federal Parliament, has been named Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health.

The former NT MLA has created history for another reason – believed to be the first ever federal Labor politician to be awarded a senior role in government after crossing the floor to vote against the party.

In 2007, the then MLA for Arnhem crossed the floor of the NT parliament to vote against Labor on legislation to convert the McCarthur River mine near Borroloola to an open-cut site.

Typically, Labor politicians who cross the floor to vote against party legislation are forced out of the party but Senator McCarthy remained in Territory Labor and held frontbench roles before being defeated at the 2012 election.

Confined to Darwin with Covid and unable to attend Labor’s swearing in and so-called ‘class photo’ of the new ministry, Senator McCarthy expressed pride at her appointment.

“I am proud to be named as the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health in the Albanese Federal Labor Government,” Senator McCarthy said.

Re Elected for a record 3rd term, Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling Picture: Glenn Campbell

“As a Yanyuwa Garrwa woman who grew up on Gulf country in Borroloola and Alice Springs, I am fully aware of the work that needs to be done across the Northern Territory.

“I am honoured to take up these portfolios and I can’t wait to work for all Australians in these two incredibly important areas.

“Territorians and the Australian people have placed their trust in me, and I will always respect that trust.

“Federal Labor’s investment in remote housing, justice initiatives, First Nations health and a comprehensive jobs program to replace the CDP will change lives for the better.

“Closing the Gap is incredibly important in moving this country forward, regardless of whether you are Indigenous or not.

“I will continue to work for a better future and amplify the voices of all Territorians in our federal Parliament whether you live in the city, town or bush.

“I’m thankful to work alongside Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour and Member for Solomon Luke Gosling in pursuing the best interests of Territorians.

“We will spend the next three years working to build a better future for the Northern Territory.”

Mr Gosling, who was re-elected to Solomon for the third time, albeit with a reduced minority, failed in his bid to win a front bench spot in Mr Albanese’s new team.

Days after the election he told the NT News he had spoken with Mr Albanese about his ambitions for higher office.

“Minister Assisting for the Indo Pacific? That’s not actually a job title – that’s just something I’m making up for myself,” he said, indicating his desire to work with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and to exploit Darwin’s location close to South East Asia.

“Northern Australia (portfolio), I think would allow me to get really involved in economic development, as well as social development, as well as defence, national security.”

Mr Gosling’s office was contacted for comment.