Solomon MP Luke Gosling hints at his ambition for assistant ministerial roles in regional development, infrastructure, or defence
A Territory MP who has spent nine years in opposition and on the back bench has set his sights at an assistant ministerial roles. See what roles Luke Gosling is hoping to snap up in the expected reshuffle.
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A Territory politician who has spent the past nine years in Opposition and on the government back bench has his sights at an assistant ministerial role for regional development, infrastructure, or defence.
On Monday, freshly re-elected Solomon MP Luke Gosling hinted that he has his eye on an assistant ministerial spot following a personal election promise from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Days after narrowly winning his seat back, Mr Gosling said his experience as the special envoy for defence, veterans and northern Australia showed he was ready for the assistant ministerial role — potentially in those rounds.
“But (the Prime Minister) might have something in mind in regional development or infrastructure,” he said on Monday.
Yet days after the landslide election, the Territory politician acknowledged that there may be some extra competition for those prized political roles.
“The big states have got even more numbers now, so it’s going to have to depend on all (my) connections and hard work,” Mr Gosling said.
“I’m still confident that our team will recognise the good work here in the Territory.
“For now it’s just a matter for talking to all our team, and thanking our volunteers.”
Mr Gosling said now was time to “start the hard work” of actually following through on his election commitments, from regaining ownership of the Port of Darwin lease, the $60m health and aged care plan for the Territory and a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.
“We’ve got a lot to do to deliver for the Territory, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re down in Canberra by the end of this week,” he said.
Mr Gosling said he was not concerned about the potential friction between the majority Labor federal government and the Lia Finocchairo’s CLP dominated Territory parliament.
“Along the way we may disagree on some policy issues,” he said
“(But) I’ve already been in touch with Lia to talk about that joint mission that we have.
“Given that $9 in every $10 in the Territory comes from the Federal Government … we stand ready to support her in developing the Territory socially and economically.”
Malarndirri McCarthy said she was “very proud and thankful” to have been returned as the NT senator, while acknowledging there was work to be done in rebuilding Territory Labor’s strength.
Despite the rest of the country saw a landslide towards Labor, Ms McCarthy and Mr Gosling had to battle against swings against them.
There was a 1 per cent swing away from Labor in the Senate, while Solomon saw a 6 per cent swing against Mr Gosling.
But Ms McCarthy said she and Mr Gosling had “overcome a tidal wave” given that Labor was “smashed” in the Territory elections only eight months ago.
“I recognise that we do need to rebuild as a party across the Northern Territory — the weekend outcome has shown we can do that,” she said.
When asked if there would be any changes to her portfolio, Ms McCarthy just laughed.
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