Professor Hugh Heggie PSM steps into role as 23rd NT Administrator

The NT government’s 23rd Administrator has been sworn into the position. Find out what he will bring to the role.

Professor Hugh Heggie PSM has been sworn in as the new Administrator of the Northern Territory.

He will serve the Territory from January 31 for a period of three years.

The Honourable Dr Heggie, the 23rd Administrator, said receiving the role took his breath away and was honoured to take on the position.

“I will fulfil this role with compassion and love for Territorians,” he said.

After the ceremony, Dr Heggie was received at Government House for the first time with a Welcome from the Traditional Owners of the land on which Government House stands, the Larrakia people. Picture: Charlie Bliss Creative/Government House

The former NT chief health officer was sworn in to the Territory’s most powerful position by Governor-General David Hurley, on advice from the Australian government.

Mr Hurley said the role of Administrator was “uniquely placed in the Territory” and believed Dr Heggie’s “care and passion” would serve him well in the role.

He also expressed his appreciation for the outgoing Administrator, Vicki O’Halloran.

Ms O’Halloran took on the role in 2017.

Mr Hurley said Ms O’Halloran’s endurance, empathy, and compassion were “hallmarks of her time as Administrator”.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles welcomed Dr Heggie to the role and said his ‘respect for all Territorians” was evident. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

NT Treasurer Eva Lawler – speaking at the ceremony on behalf of Chief Minister Natasha Fyles while she is in Canberra for the year’s first national cabinet – congratulated Dr Heggie on his new role.

Ms Fyles later said Dr Heggie had previously guided the Territory through some of its most challenging times.

“His respect for all Territorians is evident,” she said.

“I’ve worked alongside him during Covid, and I look forward to working with him again to serve the Northern Territory.

“I also thank Her Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AO, for her service as the Northern Territory’s Administrator, and acknowledge the wonderful work she did in the role.”

Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro also extended her “warmest congratulations”.

She said Dr Heggie’s new position was “a mark of great distinction” and brought with it “great responsibility”.

“There is no doubt you have an extremely hard act to follow,” she said.

[e-mail]