Psychic croc Speckles predicts Labor victory for 2024 NT election
In a decisive snap poll, the 5m saltie has prophesied which party will emerge victorious from the death roll of NT politics. WATCH THE VIDEO.
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With punters and pollsters alike struggling to gauge who will win government, the NT News has been forced to turn to the definitive expert: Speckles the psychic croc.
The 700kg, 5m saltwater crocodile prophesied Labor would win the NT general election in a snap poll at Crocodylus Park.
Using his 37-years of political savvy and soothsaying wisdom, one of the Northern Territory’s largest crocs was asked to choose between party leaders Eva Lawler and Lia Finocchiaro – incentivised by meat chops dangling from each candidate’s corflute.
After careful minutes probing into the possibilities of the great hereafter, Speckles seemed to have settled on the CLP before changing tack in a last minute comeback to confirm a third term for the government.
Speckles has previously foretold an election, correctly picking Anthony Albanese to win at the last federal election.
Almost half of all Territory voters have already cast their ballot in this year’s election, and most (non-reptilian) observers are expecting a significant swing towards the opposition.
Polling by Freshwater Strategy in December last year had the CLP ahead 58-42, a margin that dropped to 54-46 in May this year.
In June uComms released polling based on a survey of 1100 voters in Darwin and Palmerston that showed Labor holding a narrow primary vote lead over the CLP.
There is no doubt the race has tightened under Eva Lawler’s Labor leadership, but as of Friday afternoon betting odds were still expecting a change of government – paying $1.42 for the CLP to win and $2.75 for Labor.
In a last minute pitch to voters, Country Liberal leader Mrs Finocchiaro said it was “time for change”.
“The CLP team is focused on reducing crime, rebuilding our economy and restoring our lifestyle.
“There’s no doubt that crime and law and order is the number one issue for the Territory … that’s why we’re being smart about dealing with the root causes of crime, as well as delivering consequences and better support and powers to our police.
“We know the Territory can be better, and our team has the solutions.”
Mrs Lawler said since becoming Chief Minister she had “shown I can make the tough decisions that are needed”.
“Whether it’s calling a curfew or signing gas deals to ensure that the first gas from the Beetaloo Basin is secured for the benefit of Territorians, I’ll always do what’s in the best interests of the Territory.
“I’m asking Territorians for four more years to continue the work that I started in December to get the Territory working and improve community safety – there’s plenty more hard work to do and saying simple slogans isn’t enough to meet the challenges of the Territory head on.”
NT VOTES 2024: WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY
Lawrence Walker, 74, retired
“I voted Labour because I always do, I’ve been voting Labor all my adult life. I’m a strong believer in unionism and collective bargaining.”
Gareth Benson, 47, lawyer
“I gave my vote to Tanzil [Rahman, CLP, Fannie Bay]. I’ve had a normal conversation with the fellow, I only met him recently but got to know him around Stuart Park. I think he’s a worldly person, a genuine candidate.”
Thomas Mohrwinkel, 18, on a gap year
“I voted for Brian Manning [Labor, Port Darwin]. I had him for a few classes in middle school, he was a good leader who made sure you were doing the right thing.”
Ade Core, 21, law clerk
“I voted for Jinson Charles [CLP, Sanderson] because I love his commitment to the community, I have seen him out and about and I really hope that continues.”
Jocelyn Tribe, 35, administrator
“I voted for the Greens because it feels like Labor and the CLP are the same thing.”
Lenny James, 19, electrical apprentice
“I just followed Brian’s [Manning] how-to-vote card because he was my principal and he’s a good bloke.”
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