SEATS IN FOCUS: Kezia Purick likely to hold Goyder despite ICAC clash, though CLP hot on her heels
INDEPENDENT Goyder MLA Kezia Purick’s head-on collision with the NT’s peak anti-corruption body may have dented her chances at the upcoming election, though with a margin of 25 per cent, even being hauled over the coals by ICAC may not be enough to unseat her.
Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
INDEPENDENT Goyder MLA Kezia Purick’s head-on collision with the NT’s peak anti-corruption body may have dented her chances at the upcoming election, though with a margin of 25 per cent, even being hauled over the coals by ICAC may not be enough to unseat her.
Staunchly conservative, the voters of Goyder are generally “firmly decent rural people” who want the government to stay out of their business, former MLA Peter Maley reckons.
“Rural people are loyal, and I think Kezia has been there eight years and there will be a degree of loyalty,” he said.
“The media coverage (of Ms Purick) didn’t help, but I don’t think it’s a complete deal break.
“But (the CLP’s) Phil Battye is a dark horse … and these electorates turn on a handful of votes.”
MORE NT POLITICS NEWS
Election posters for CLP Karama candidate Brian O’Gallagher set alight, threatening suburban home
NT’s major political parties noncommittal on raising age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14
Ms Purick has had a tumultuous few months following an ICAC finding that she engaged in a “series of acts” that amounted to corrupt conduct.
The issue is now being looked at by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
She had a two-party preferred margin of 25.3 per cent at the 2016 election, and raked in 55 per cent of the vote on first preferences.
Her closest competitor has also had a (much milder) dust- up in the media.
Mr Battye, after acknowledging he did have a run-in with the tax office a few years ago due to unpaid returns, admitted the issue could impact his election chances, but “it is what it is, there’s nothing I can do about it”.
Mr Maley, the Goyder MLA from 2001 to 2005, who lost his seat to NT Labor’s Ted Warren in a shock landslide result, said if there was “any justice in politics” Mr Battye would be the “ideal” pick for Goyder.
Mr Warren lasted a single term in the seat before being roundly beaten by Ms Purick in 2008, who was a CLP member at the time.
The seat is almost certainly unlikely to return to Labor, due to the conservative lean, and also because Labor is yet to name its Goyder candidate, though it is expected it will contest it.
But Mr Warren is back for a second tilt, this time as an independent.
LIMITED TIME: New NT News subscription offer: $1 a week for the first 12 weeks
Former CLP candidate Carolyn Reynolds could contest the seat again, also as an independent, though she is still deciding due to family commitments.
Territory Alliance will run fresh-faced Rachael Wright in the seat.
CANDIDATES
NAME: Kezia Purick
PARTY: Independent
WHY PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE FOR YOU:
Kezia has lived rural for over 40 years and lives with her family on ten acres. Schooled in Darwin and Perth, Kezia returned to the Territory and has worked mostly in Darwin with a short stint in Alice Springs. First elected in 2008, Kezia has fought hard and long to protect the rural lifestyle and amenity and has supported strongly rural schools, seniors, sporting and recreation clubs and the private businesses across the greater rural area. Supporting farmers, nurseries and small businesses is a top priority and has lobbied the Government constantly to have proper, transparent planning processes.
Kezia knows the rural area and people well and enjoys meeting and helping people at events, the local watering places and out and about. Keep rural – rural.
NAME: Ted Warren
PARTY: Independent
WHY PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE FOR YOU:
I know Goyder very well and was the local Member from 2005-2008. I’m a long-term Territorian, a father and grandfather. I’m multi-degree educated and a self-employed geotechnical engineer. In these difficult times, we shouldn’t risk our future with untried hopefuls. I won’t be shackled to ‘political party’ self-interests or their reliance on ‘big business’ donations. I have the previous experience as a strong local member and the right qualifications, maturity and know how to get things done. I will support and be a voice for rural families and rural businesses. I will bring back
stability and respect to Goyder and the capable independent representation you deserve.
NAME: Phil Battye
PARTY: CLP
WHY PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE FOR YOU: I’m an honest, hardworking and loyal small business owner so proud to call the territory home. I am also a fierce defender of our unique lifestyle here in the rural area – I will always champion it! We must get the Territory economy back on track, as a small-business owner I have to balance the books – so should our government! I will work hard to create the environment for local businesses to grow and create jobs. I am here to fight for you, part of a strong new CLP team, lead by Lia Finocchiaro. Vote 1 Phil Battye.
NAME: Rachael Wright
PARTY: Territory Alliance
TELL US IN 100 WORDS OR LESS WHY PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE FOR YOU: My family instilled a strong sense of fairness, responsibility in pulling your weight contributing to each other and community. Having strong links to business, industry and government I’ve a long career in HR Management. I have a brisk cheerful readiness, discipline and determination to be a firm and effective representative to protect our rural way of life. Rural living encompasses fruit trees, chooks, horses, bores, fire breaks, naming a few. Larger blocks allow tractors, boats, quads, motorbikes and various equipment. We choose rural for open space freedoms, fresh air suiting our interests, safer environments for family the bright city buzz.
HISTORY
First created in 1990, the electorate is named after George Goyder, the South Australian surveyor responsible for carrying out the first freehold surveys in the area. Goyder encompasses large rural areas south of Darwin, covering more than 38,000sq km.
Its second longest serving member, behind Kezia Purick, was CLP’s Terry McCarthy who eventually retired.
AREA/SUBURBS
Towns of Bees Creek, Cox Peninsula, Virginia, Marlow Lagoon and parts of Berry Springs and Humpty Doo.
2016 RESULTS
Two-party preferred
Kezia Purick, Independent, 75.3 per cent.
Carolyn Reynolds, CLP, 24.7 per cent.
The 2016 redistribution has not impacted Goyder.
Ms Purick’s margin of 25.3 per cent makes her seat the second safest in the NT, behind Natasha Fyles’ Nightcliff and in front of Gerry Wood’s Nelson.
PREVIOUS MEMBERS
Terry McCarthy, CLP, 1990-2001.
Peter Maley, CLP, 2001-2005
Ted Warren, NT Labor, 2005-2008.
Kezia Purick, CLP, 2008-2015
then Independent from 2015- present.
Remote maternity unit keeps doors open amid local staff ‘deficit’
Katherine mums will be able to give birth at their local hospital despite fears that critical staffing shortfalls would result in the maternity unit’s closure.
Read more
Voters ‘felt disenfranchised’ during election: Paech
Shadow Attorney-General Chansey Paech says the failed Voice to Parliament referendum played “a role” in the election result, maintaining voters were “disenfranchised” heading to the ballot box.
Read more