Up-and-coming NT Labor Minister Chansey Paech won’t rule out Lingiari tilt

Up-and-coming Territory Labor frontbencher Chansey Paech is yet to unequivocally rule out a tilt at federal politics following the retirement of long-serving Lingiari MP Warren Snowdon.

UP-AND-COMING Territory Labor frontbencher Chansey Paech is yet to unequivocally rule out a tilt at federal politics following the retirement of long-serving Lingiari MP Warren Snowdon.

Asked if he had any ambitions or intentions to run for federal office, or if he would consider running for Labor preselection for the seat, Mr Paech (pictured) said he was “looking forward to continuing to work as Member for Gwoja and as part of the NT cabinet”.

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Minister for Local Government Chansey Paech fronts the Budget Estimates committee. Picture: Che Chorley

Attorney General Selena Uibo. Picture: Che Chorley

Minister Selena Uibo, who was elevated to Attorney-General after the recent election, called Mr Snowdon a “political legend” and said she was looking forward to “supporting the future Labor candidate for Lingiari”.

“Always fighting for the bush and its people, wearing his Labor values on his sleeve, (Mr Snowdon) leaves massive shoes to fill,” she said.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner, who grew up in Tennant Creek, said he had no intentions or ambitions to run for federal office.

Meanwhile, the CLP confirmed it would be putting out an expression of interest for prospective candidates next week.

Party president Jamie De Brenni said all things going well, the CLP hoped to preselect a candidate at its meeting in Alice Springs in February.

The second largest electorate in the country, Lingiari has been held by Labor since its creation nearly 20 years ago.