How federal election candidates want to change local govt in the Northern Territory
Federal election candidates in the Northern Territory have told the NT News how they view the role of local government in tackling the big issues facing the region.
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THE Greens want local government to play a greater role in tackling the big issues facing the Northern Territory, saying that councils deserve to be “properly funded”.
It comes as the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) this week called on federal election candidates to back a broad range of policy priorities that would see councils more involved and better equipped to govern the vast region.
LGANT, the peak body representing the local government sector, has prioritised a near doubling of the financial assistance grants it receives, greater funding for mitigating natural disasters, and more involvement to help implement the Closing the Gap plan.
The peak body is also pushing for a Territory-based road safety co-ordinator to have a hand in bringing down the devastating road toll, more say in addressing housing shortages, and new funding for a domestic violence co-ordinator working within local government.
Jane Anlezark, Greens’ Senate candidate, said councils know the needs of their communities best and needs additional funding to “be part of the solution”.
“Local government is closest to its community,” she said.
“Councils in the Territory deliver essential services and they have to be a part of our response to big issues. This week at voting in Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti and the Katherine region, I’ve seen that first hand.
“The Greens are prioritising housing, ending domestic violence, First Nations justice, and dealing with climate emergencies in our platform. We’d love to see local governments across the Territory properly funded to be part of the solution.”
However, the Liberal Democrats were more wary of LGANT’s election wish list, with Senate candidate Sam McMahon saying she would like to see a business case put forward to understand how the money would be spent.
Ms McMahon said she saw merit in some of the proposals but was against creating “more levels of bureaucracy”.
“Financial assistance grants are a great way to get the money directly to where it’s needed,” she said.
“Local government has a very good handle on what’s needed in their region and are often best placed to deliver projects quickly and under budget.”
She also said she would support more local government funding for disaster mitigation and delivery of housing upon receiving more details on LGANT’s proposals.
“It is clear that the Federal government’s National Recovery and Resilience Agency is not meeting the need of local government so ways of better utilising those funds on a local level should be looked at,” Ms McMahon said.
“(Also), the National Partnership on Remote Housing has been a dismal failure with only a small fraction of the promised $1bn being completed to date. Local government is best placed to know what is needed in their area and in many cases, to deliver it.”
Damien Ryan, the Country Liberal Party (CLP) Lingiari candidate and former Alice Springs mayor, said he supported LGANT’s policy priorities.
“While serving the people of Alice Springs on town council I championed a lot of these issues with my Territory and Commonwealth colleagues,” he said, adding that he recently met with LGANT’s president on behalf of his party.
“I know how important well-funded local housing and roads in particular are for the liveability of our communities, and if elected, I will fight for more resources for these programs.”
Meanwhile, Labor’s Lingiari candidate Marion Scrymgour said a Labor government would “welcome” local government back to parliament by re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG), an annual meeting between the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers, mayors, and other local government stakeholders.
“In 2008, Labor leader Anthony Albanese established the ACLG as then Local Government Minister to ‘provide a new nation building partnership between the Commonwealth and local government’,” Ms Scrymgour said.
While Ms Scrymgour did not directly address LGANT’s policy priorities, she said when the Liberal Party later abolished the Council they had pushed “local government to the kiddies table”.
She also slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison for replacing COAG with the national cabinet.
“As the closest level of government to our communities, local government served as an important part of the COAG process,” she said.
“In addition to re-establishing the ACLG, Labor is also committed to putting local government on national cabinet.
“Throughout the Covid pandemic, council workers have been vital to providing services to help get us through.”
Labor in corflute campaign over Darwin Port
LABOR has unleashed a corflute campaign reminding voters of the CLP’s decision to lease the Darwin Port for 99 years back in 2015.
Yellow and black signs erected by Territory Labor across Darwin feature both the CLP’s Solomon candidate and the Prime Minister, and have been rolled out by Labor in recent weeks. The signs urge voters to “Vote Morrison Out” because of the controversial sale by the Giles Territory government.
The party is seeking to remind voters of the port’s lease to Chinese-backed company Landbridge as national security emerges as a major issue in the federal election.
When asked whether the Darwin Port should be brought back under Australian ownership, the CLP’s Solomon candidate Tina MacFarlane said: “The 2015 sale of the port by the then Northern Territory government was reviewed last year by the Defence Department. The port is an important part of infrastructure for Darwin, which will now be complemented by the $1.5bn port at Middle Arm announced recently by the Coalition government.”
Labor’s Solomon MP Luke Gosling described the sale as a “mistake”.
“The sale should not have happened in the first place and Landbridge was an inappropriate company to lease such an important piece of infrastructure to, let alone for 99 years,” he said.
The Liberal Democrats Solomon candidate Kylie Bonanni said she was alarmed about the Port’s Chinese ownership by Landbridge, fearing it would give them knowledge of sensitive military matters.
“Landbridge has access to all the movement of civilian and military vessels as well as the logs of where they’ve been and where they’re going,” Ms Bonanni said.
“It should definitely be under Australian control for its’ value commercially and strategically.”
The Greens disagreed, with its Solomon candidate Aiya Goodrich Carttling saying the security risk was “overblown”.
“But the Port still should never have been sold off,” Ms Goodrich Carttling said.
“Essential infrastructure shouldn’t be privatised, no matter who it’s leased or sold off to.”
She said she would support a review into the Darwin Port’s private ownership.
Senator refuses to outline Labor fracking policy
SENATOR Malarndirri McCarthy has failed to outline Labor’s position on fracking in the NT despite being a big issues among voters in the upcoming federal election.
If re-elected, senator McCarthy will invest in “clean and affordable energy” and “lower energy costs” but will keep Scott Morrison’s plan of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
Senator McCarthy said federal Labor is committed to protecting future generations that live in the Territory’s “unique environment and landscape”.
“I’ve consistently raised my concerns with the Morrison Government’s process over the grants to Empire Energy to fast track their works in the Beetaloo,” she said.
“The Senate Inquiry into oil and gas exploration and production in the Beetaloo Basin highlighted the Government’s questionable process with these grants.
“Government decisions should always be made in accordance with the law. All developments should be subject to strict environmental approval.”
Meanwhile CLP candidate, Jacinta Price supports the “safe and responsible development of resources” that fracking can provide in the NT despite public concern.
“The Pepper Inquiry, established by the Northern Territory Government, found that fracking can be conducted safely and effectively, and I am confident the government has appropriate measures in place to protect the local environment,” she said.
“I am very excited about the development of the Beetaloo Basin given its resources have the potential to provide Territory homes and businesses with affordable gas.
“The Beetaloo is a project that will also change the lives of Traditional Owners given the jobs and skills it will bring to the region.”
Greens candidate for the senate, Jane Anlezark is the only candidate explicitly opposed fracking for gas.
“Fracking is an unacceptable risk to land and water in the Territory,” she said.
“You can’t say you care about climate change while throwing public money at big gas companies to establish new fossil fuel export infrastructure they’ll want to keep open for decades.
“Territory Labor’s decision to backflip and support fracking is one of the biggest disappointments. By their own admission, gas companies aren’t following all the standards that Gunner supposedly wants to enforce.
“You can’t frack safely in the Territory, not with this government or any government.
“It was Greens Senators that established the Senate inquiry into Morrison’s $50 million handouts to gas companies like Empire and Tamboran.
“Traditional Owners, pastoralists, farmers and ecologists all made it clear to that inquiry: don’t frack the Territory.
A Liberal Democrats spokesperson said fracking is vital for the economic growth of the Territory and remote communities.
“Safeguards are needed and the recommendations of the Pepper report need to be applied,” they said.
“Hydraulic fracturing has been conducted for many years in the NT without a single occurrence of environmental contamination.”
Kakadu upgrades to take 10 years: Coalition
THE Country Liberal Party has insisted a $216m promise for tourism upgrades at Kakadu National Park is creating jobs, despite concerns about a slow rollout of the funding.
The commitment was made by the Coalition during the previous federal election in 2019.
Upgrades to the park have been sluggish, with the NT government last year urging Canberra to provide an update on why only $5m had been spent.
CLP Lingiari candidate Damien Ryan said funding for upgrades would be rolled out over the space of a decade.
“The Coalition has a $216 million commitment to upgrade Kakadu over 10 years, including a significant investment in upgrading local roads,” Mr Ryan said.
“Since 2019, this funding commitment has created much needed local jobs, while improving the appeal of the park as an international tourism drawcard.”
Meanwhile, Labor’s Lingiari candidate Marion Scrymgour has vowed to roll the money out faster and labelled the Coalition’s management of the money as a “broken promise”.
“Labor will immediately move to make sure that the promised money is finally spent to benefit the natural environment, communities, and the local economy,” Ms Scrymgour said.
“Traditional Owners and Territorians who rely on tourism for their livelihoods deserve better.”
The Liberal Democrats’ Lingiari candidate George Kasperak described Kakadu’s management by Parks Australia as “dismal” and called for it to be returned to NT government or traditional owners.
“To date only a few million of this has actually been rolled out,” Mr Kasperak said.
“Many of the park’s finest attractions remain closed all year and others are suffering from access issues and lack of maintenance.”
The Greens’ Lingiari candidate Blair McFarland more funding was needed to combat climate change, feral animals and gamba grass not just in Kakadu, but across the NT, saying he would “look at the whole picture”.
Labor match $1.5b Coalition pledge to Middle Arm
OVER 40,000 jobs could be created in the Middle Arm advanced manufacturing precinct in coming decades, regardless of who wins government on May 21.
Labor has matched the Coalition’s $1.5b commitment to kickstart the development, while the Greens Party has committed to support it but without money for mining giants.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner in March said the precinct could create 40,000 jobs by 2040, in high-paying industries such as advanced manufacturing.
In the 2022 federal budget, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce pledged $1.5b toward the development of Middle Arm.
Labor’s Solomon MP Luke Gosling said Labor would still deliver the funding in the event of a change in government.
“We recognise the importance of the Northern Territory to Australia’s future, particularly when it comes to restarting our local manufacturing to make more things here again,” Mr Gosling said.
But he stressed that development needed to be of the “highest possible environmental standards”.
The CLP’s Tina MacFarlane said the Coalition’s pledge to invest in local manufacturing was vital to ensuring better trade with growing regions and economies in Asia.
“Enhancing our local manufacturing capacity is an issue I am passionate about,” Ms MacFarlane said.
“Developing these industries in the Top End will be critical to ensure our economy can grow and become more self-sufficient.”
The Greens’ candidate for Solomon Aiya Goodrich Carttling said plans for Middle Arm were a “wasted opportunity”.
“The Greens support genuinely sustainable industries like green manufacturing, steel, and hydrogen exports, using 100 per cent renewable energy as a feedstock. They could all be based at Middle Arm and supported by the Greens’ proposed Manufacturing Australia Fund,” Ms Goodrich Carttling said.
“You can’t just hand $130 million of public money to big fossil fuel companies like Santos and call it sustainable.”
The Liberal Democrats’ Solomon candidate Kylie Bonanni said the new precinct could be vital to adding value to our mining industry.
“We can supply not only domestic markets, we can export value added products, processed and manufactured right here in the NT,” Ms Bonanni said.
Parties in lock-step over NT’s defence future
BOTH major political parties have vowed to spend at least 2 per cent of Australia’s GDP on defence amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Defence and national security rated highly in an NT News reader survey leading up to the federal election.
The Coalition has promised hundreds of millions in recent years towards upgrades at major bases across the Territory in recent years. But Labor has now committed to match that figure. Labor’s Solomon MP Luke Gosling said Darwin would be a major beneficiary of this extra funding.
“The Darwin region is our nation’s northern defence and security hub, and I will ensure that we look after our ADF people and their families, and that we continue to build our local capacity with ensuing jobs,” said Mr Gosling, who is seeking re-election.
“I already have a track record in moving defence industry to benefit local businesses.”
Meanwhile, CLP Solomon candidate Tina MacFarlane said “only the Morrison government” could be trusted on national security.
“I understand how important the presence of our defence force is here in Darwin given defence spending drives economic growth and local jobs,” Ms MacFarlane said.
“I am particularly concerned about the mad proposal from the Greens to see the US marines out of the NT, which would be disastrous for our relationship with the US and our national security.”
The federal Coalition promised more than $700m to upgrade NT training facilities in 2021.
While both major parties were in lock-step on spending 2 per cent of Australia’s GDP on defence, Liberal Democrat senate candidate Jed Hansen said the policy had the potential to waste taxpayer dollars.
“The LDP believes that national defence is of primary importance to the commonwealth government, however, we believe that unnecessary expenditure on defence contributes to excessive taxation,” Mr Hansen said.
“An LDP government would guarantee an end to wasteful projects that are never realised and a recommitment to making Australia’s military the best in the world with the best equipment.”
The Greens’ Solomon candidate Aiya Goodrich Carttling said the party had no desire to legislate its own way on the issue, but would scrutinise other parties’ policies.
“Previous governments have failed to support veterans which has been evident in their disproportionate rates of suicide,” Ms Goodrich Carttling said.
“We see a strong ongoing role for forces based in the Territory in humanitarian and disaster relief, in ocean monitoring with our Pacific neighbours, and in defending our north from realistic threats,” she said.
Parties back massive project to upgrade Outback Way
SEALING a massive stretch of highway between outback Queensland and remote Western Australia, via Alice Springs, has the backing of parties across the political spectrum.
While the Liberal Democrats want to go even further seal the whole of Outback Way, Labor has refused to say whether it would fund the project if it won government.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announced the project to seal Outback Way earlier this year, saying it would provide a third sealed crossing of Central Australia.
But the mammoth $678m effort to improve 1000km of the link has now won backing of The Greens, whose Lingiari candidate Blair MacFarland said would help improve road safety.
“We’ve had a lot of promises for road sealing in the 37 years I’ve lived here,” Mr MacFarland said.
“Poor roads kill people out bush.
“We don’t just need the Outback Way sealed for freight and tourists, or new beef and gas roads in the north, we need many more bush roads to communities sealed to save lives.”
The federal government has spruiked the upgrade as a boon for freight transport across Central Australia.
The CLP’s Lingiari candidate Damien Ryan said the link was already funded in this year’s budget and would go ahead.
“Having worked in the tourism industry when the highway to Adelaide was sealed, I know what a revolution such infrastructure will be for local jobs and the economy, and the sealing of the Outback Way heralds a very exciting time for tourism in Central Australia,” Mr Ryan said.
The Liberal Democrats’ candidate for Lingiari George Kasperak has gone even further, said he wanted to seal the entire 2720km route.
“Of that entire length only 600km has so far been sealed leaving an approximate spend of $1.4b,” Mr Kasperak said.
“This is a large commitment but an essential one. This route is used by tourists, community members, pastoralists, mines and road trains.”
Labor’s Lingiari candidate Marion Scrymgour did not say whether the party would fund the Outback Way upgrade if it won government, saying only that she looked “forward to the day when the Outback Way is fully sealed”.
“I know how important roads are across the NT. That’s why Labor has already committed to investing $200m in an NT strategic roads package, upgrading the roads that remote communities rely on,” Ms Scrymgour said.
She said Labor was committing to funding the Mereenie Loop and Red Centre Way.
Deadly black spot will go: Candidates
A LIFE-SAVING upgrade to Darwin’s most notorious black spot has the backing of both major political parties, despite a major cost blowout.
The intersection of Berrimah Rd and Tiger Brennan Dr has been the scene of numerous serious and fatal crashes.
Progress to design and release tenders for the new grade-separated overpass at the intersection has taken over a year so far, with the NT government and Commonwealth committing to fund the project 50:50.
The NT government recently said overpass’ cost has risen from $60m to $110m.
Despite the blowout making it a “very expensive project”, Solomon MP Luke Gosling said Labor was committed to delivering the project if it won government after May 21.
“Federal Labor has always believed in Tiger Brennan Dr, which it funded and built, and it will invest what’s required in this important upgrade to save lives at one of the most dangerous intersections in the Northern Territory,” Mr Gosling said.
His CLP rival Tina MacFarlane said it had been the Coalition which had originally committed money toward the upgrade.
“This project will create local jobs in the design and construction phase and once completed, it will make the commute far quicker for those travelling between Palmerston and the CBD,” Ms MacFarlane said.
The Liberal Democrat candidate for Solomon Kylie Bonanni said the overpass was a “vital piece of road infrastructure”, but questioned why the cost had increased substantially.
“It currently sees 20,000 vehicles a day pass through including a large number of trucks and road trains,” Ms Bonanni said. “The construction of the new overpass will separate the major traffic flow on Tiger Brennan Drive from the traffic movements on Berrimah Rd.
“The overpass has to be built.”
The Greens candidate Aiya Goodrich Carttling said the party would be “happy to see the overpass go ahead”, but also argued for more bike infrastructure.
“The Morrison government has neglected funding for other Territory infrastructure to keep everyone safe on the roads, like separated bike paths,” Ms Goodrich Carttling said.
“We’d push for transparent infrastructure funding for road, cycling and walking safety across Darwin and Palmerston.”
Waterfront’s $200m overhaul gets mixed reviews by NT candidates
PLANS for a $200m upgrade of the Darwin Waterfront has gotten the attention of federal candidates, but none have vowed to find money in Canberra to fund it.
The NT government has been hyping up the precinct’s expansion in recent months, with a poll of readers in February finding 85 per cent of readers supported the plans.
At the time, Darwin Waterfront Corporation chief executive Alastair Shields said construction could commence as soon as funding for the ambitious expansion was secured.
Federal funding has been seen as key to getting the project off the ground.
The Liberal Democrat’s candidate for Solomon Kylie Bonanni said the plan would be a boon for tourism and investment.
“This would be a fantastic facility for Darwin and a huge draw card for tourists and locals alike,” Ms Bonanni said.
“The funding for it would best come from the NAIF rather than taxpayers though, as we are currently dealing with record levels of debt and there are other more urgent infrastructure needs.
“There would also have to be a very strong business case put forward as the operation and maintenance costs for these facilities are quite large, an operator who would be responsible for those costs needs to be identified.
“A development such as this would make Darwin a more attractive location for investment.”
CLP Solomon candidate Tina MacFarlane said the plan was a “fantastic idea … given our climate”.
“I have no doubt it would be a facility that would serve Darwin well given how much locals love access to water activities,” Ms MacFarlane said.
“I look forward to hearing more information about the proposal.”
Meanwhile, the Greens’ Solomon candidate Aiya Goodrich Carttling said his party would oppose government funding for the Waterfront.
“I swim at the Waterfront all the time, it’s already great,” Ms Goodrich Carttling said.
“We don’t need federal funding for another private attraction when remote communities still don’t have reliable safe drinking water and swimming pools.”
Labor’s Solomon MP Luke Gosling said he was “very supportive of all projects that reinforce the excellence of the Top End”.
“Much like the upcoming Casuarina Pool complex, which Federal Labor has already committed $7.5m to upgrade, I have no doubt that a world-class water park in Darwin would be a huge boost for our local economy,” Mr Gosling said.
“An elected Albanese Labor government would look at any proposals put forward very closely.”
Politicians have also taken interest in another nearby proposal, a $200m stadium in Darwin’s CBD.
Climate change plan ‘could create 6000 jobs’
THE Greens Party has promised its climate plan will create 2000 direct jobs in the Northern Territory as the environment shapes up as a topic of debate for the election.
Both Labor and the Coalition have publicly committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050, although their rhetoric has differed greatly.
The NT News in recent weeks has asked readers to submit their most important issues online, with nearly half of the 273 responses received so far nominating climate change as an issue that would affect their vote.
The Greens’ senate candidate Jane Anlezark said the Greens had released a detailed plan of how they would get the NT to 100 per cent renewable energy in the next eight years.
Ms Anlezark said the plan would create 2000 direct and another 6000 indirect jobs, and took aim at other parties for their policies.
“You can’t say you care about climate change then throw money at gas companies to frack the Territory and build a new fossil gas pipeline past the Tiwi Islands,” she said.
CLP senate candidate Jacinta Price said the Coalition had a “clear plan” to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
“That plan is supported by practical measures to preserve our unique environment here in the Territory, including the recent announcement to combat the scourge of gamba grass in the Top End,” Ms Price said.
Labor’s Malarndirri McCarthy said if elected, her party would invest in clean energy and cut power bills.
“The NT has truly massive potential to store carbon on the land, including through world methods developed by First Nations people,” Senator McCarthy said.
“Labor’s Powering Australia plan will provide a massive boost to this industry, growing jobs and investment while cutting pollution.
“The Northern Territory is blessed with natural resources including solar power and a federal Labor Government will unlock the full potential of our renewable energy industry.”
Liberal Democrat senator Sam McMahon reiterated her call for nuclear energy to be included in any policy to cut down on carbon emissions.
“The UK, Europe, US and Canada all rely on nuclear energy to produce lower emissions power,” Senator McMahon said.
“At the same time we would continue to invest in research and development of new technologies to replace our reliance on fossil fuels.”
Major parties vow to take stadium proposal to Canberra
THE Territory’s candidates for the looming federal election have welcomed the push for a new stadium to be built in Darwin’s CBD.
Only the Greens have openly said they would oppose its construction. Meanwhile, both Labor and the CLP said they would await further details from feasibility studies.
The $300m Darwin City Stadium will need to at least be partly funded by the federal government.
A similar stadium built in Townsville last decade was funded 50:50 by the Queensland and federal governments.
The CLP’s Solomon candidate Tina MacFarlane said she would welcome a new stadium being built in the Top End.
“I will always push for more investment in sporting infrastructure in the Top End, like the proposed stadium,” Ms MacFarlane said.
“I look forward to hearing further from the proponents of this plan, and I will always strongly fight for our residents, especially our youth, to have access to high-quality facilities to train and compete at, and that will also act as a drawcard for interstate and international elite sporting fixtures.”
Labor’s Solomon incumbent Luke Gosling said he would “love to see the NT get its own AFL team in the national competition”.
“I’ll do everything I can to support this with Federal Labor, and to discuss funding a world-class stadium for Darwin,” Mr Gosling said.
“I understand feasibility studies are in the works and that a Territory AFL team might become a reality in a couple of years, which would be awesome.”
Mr Gosling said new facilities would allow the Northern Territory to keep “some of Australia’s best players” in the Top End.
The Greens Senate candidate Jane Anlezark said sporting facilities were vital to improving community health., but said she didn’t want “huge sums committed to another stadium”.
“There are plenty of clubs in town and out bush that struggle to keep their facilities up to scratch, especially after every wet season,” Ms Anlezark said.
Liberal Democrat Senator Sam McMahon, who is seeking re-election next month, said she supported the proposal.
“A modern new stadium in the heart of Darwin would be a great asset for the city, which would also attract tourism and international sporting events,” Senator McMahon said.
AFL NT says the new stadium will create 2600 construction jobs, and could be paired with more funding for remote facilities.
Nuclear an option for Senator to solve NT’s rising cost of living
LIBERAL Democrat Senator Sam McMahon has argued nuclear energy could bring down the soaring cost of electricity across the nation and deliver cost-of-living relief for Territorians.
Cost of living is dominating Territorians’ minds in the lead up to the federal election on May 21. On Wednesday, the Bureau of Statistics revealed inflation had hit 5.1 per cent, the highest rate since 2001 and outstripping wages growth.
In the lead up to the election, the NT News invited readers to select their main vote-deciding issues in an online survey. Of the 222 responses received by Sunday evening, 160 respondents identified cost of living pressures as being a factor.
In last month’s federal budget, the Morrison government slashed the 44 cents per litre fuel excise in half, costing the Treasury billions in revenue but delivering an instant boost to family finances.
But Senator McMahon said long term relief could come in the form of new nuclear technology to ensure reliable baseload power. “We’re not talking about things like Chernobyl anymore,” she said.
“These are small, very safe and incredibly low waste.”
Senator McMahon said the Liberal Democrats would also axe the fuel excise entirely and cut taxes for businesses and individuals, to stimulate growth.
Meanwhile, the CLP’s candidate for Lingiari Damien Ryan said the Coalition had already taken action to alleviate the cost of living, particularly with regards to fuel prices.
“The Coalition government is responding to the challenges faced by Territorians from rising prices in a responsible and targeted way,” Mr Ryan said.
He said the government had delivered a one-off $420 cost of living tax offset for low-and-middle income earners, and a one-off $250 cost of living payment to eligible Territorians.
Labor Solomon incumbent Luke Gosling said his party would prioritise “dealing with supply issues and getting real wages growing again”.
“Our policy for Powering the Nation will reduce household energy costs as we transition to renewables,” he said.
The Greens’ Northern Territory senate candidate Jane Anlezark said it was inexcusable for Territorians to be struggling with the cost of rent, childcare and dentistry.
“The Greens got free dental care for millions of kids in 2012 under Medicare, we should now do that for everyone,” Ms Anlezark said.
“I know people here in Darwin who will need to move because of rent hikes. The government should be building more affordable homes and limiting huge rent rises.
Territorians want federal action on health
TERRITORIANS have nominated health as one of their key concerns of the election campaign.
It follows the Royal Darwin Hospital suffering from numerous code yellows last year. The facility has been under strain from understaffing, nurse shortages and bed block in wards.
At the weekend, Labor announced its intention to train up 500 First Nations nurses to help improve health outcomes. They also promised 30 more dialysis machines for remote Australia and $12m for rheumatic heart disease eradication.
A further $15m would also be spent on improving water quality in remote communities.
In a survey of approximately 220 readers, over half said the state of the Royal Darwin Hospital and the Territory’s health system more broadly was a key election factor.
The Royal Darwin Hospital is located within the electorate of Solomon.
The CLP was contacted for comment on Friday, to outline how it would take action on health federally, but did not respond before deadline.
Labor’s Solomon incumbent Luke Gosling said he had “personally argued and secured additional funding for the Palmerston Hospital in the past”, as well as for PET scanners.
“Federal Labor is committed to a strong Medicare so that all Territorians, no matter how much you earn, have at least got the comfort of knowing that they can go to the hospital and get treated,” Mr Gosling said.
He said Labor would better fund the NDIS and Medicare.
The Liberal Democrats senate candidate Sam McMahon said action needed to be taken, because the system was going from “code yellow to code yellow”.
“People can’t even get urgent care, let alone routine care,” Senator McMahon said.
She said the Liberal Democrats would “throw money” at issues such as crime and health.
The Greens’ Solomon candidate Aiya Goodrich Carttling spruiked her credentials as a healthcare worker in Darwin, saying her party was committed to enshrining free dental within Medicare.
“Hospitals have been underfunded under Scott Morrison and the Greens are committed to pushing the next government to fix that,” Ms Goodrich Carttling said.
“We’re campaigning to invest an extra $8b in public hospitals nationally, plus clearing public hospital surgery waiting lists with a one-off federal injection of $875m.”
She said the Greens would also seek to better fund First Nations healthcare providers, claiming their government income has been slashed repeatedly since 2013.
How NT election candidates will tackle crime
TERRITORIANS want federal politicians to be part of the solution for spiralling rates of crime.
The NT News has asked readers to provide feedback on what issues would influence their choice of who to vote for, with more than 220 responses received by Sunday morning.
Of the responses, 160 listed crime as a major local issue they wanted federal politicians to act on.
The results come after the Prime Minister Scott Morrison pledged $14m to help local organisations in Alice Springs crack down on crime.
Labor followed soon after with a pledge to match the funding if elected.
With crime an issue that is front-of-mind for many voters, both sides have now said they plan to do more if they win office.
CLP senate candidate Jacinta Price on Friday made the issue her top priority when speaking to the media.
“And while it’s predominantly a Northern Territory government concern – well it’s their responsibility entirely – we certainly want to take that message to Canberra to see how we can support our community (and) ensure that there is community safety,” Ms Price said.
She said the federal government could help “bolster the police force” and take action on opening up “the floodgates” of alcohol into remote communities, referring to plans to allow more liquor licences across the Territory.
Labor’s Solomon incumbent Luke Gosling said if re-elected, he would make “supporting our police” a top priority.
“I think what we’ve seen is the police haven’t got the support that they need,” Mr Gosling said.
“We not only can make sure that there’s enough funding for remote police and for police generally, but also those support services.
“I think the federal government can play a role there.”
The Liberal Democrats’ senate candidate Sam McMahon also nominated crime as the most important issue facing Territorians.
Senator McMahon said the Commonwealth was responsible for 80 per cent of the Territory’s funding and therefore could enact policies to help break the cycle of crime and improve safety.
“(The NT government) seem absolutely helpless when it comes to the issue,” she said.
“I think we need to step in where they can’t sole the problem. We need to throw some money and resources (at it).”
The Greens candidate for Lingiari Blair McFarland, who has worked in youth justice for 35 years, said the current crime wave was the result of decades of failures from successive governments at all levels.
“We need massive public investment in good housing, an education system that works, and community-based youth programs to keep kids out of trouble,” Mr McFarland said.
“That’s all work that can be funded in the next three years and we Greens will keep pushing for it to happen.”
Mr McFarland said incarcerating young people did not break the cycle of crime and disadvantage and called on Territorians to vote for initiatives to help alleviate poverty in the NT.
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