Solomon MP Luke Gosling on 2025 election, federal Labor

Ahead of his election showdown with an experienced cop, Solomon MP Luke Gosling says he is “absolutely” confident he will be re-elected, claiming federal Labor is the best option for voters.

Solomon MP Luke Gosling says federal Labor is the “best thing” for the Territory. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ahead of his election showdown with a Territory cop, Solomon MP Luke Gosling says he is “absolutely” confident he will be re-elected.

With Prime Minister Anthony Albanese required to call the election before May 17, 2025, at a recent press conference in Nightcliff Mr Gosling was asked if he was confident of holding on to his seat.

Mr Gosling did not hesitate.

“Absolutely – I mean, it’s all about working for the community,” Mr Gosling said.

“While you never take anything for granted, it’s clear in federal Labor’s commitment to the Territory, and to Darwin and Palmerston, that the best thing for the Territory is always federal Labor.”

Mr Gosling speaks to media at the 2022 Federal Election ballot draw. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

At the 2022 federal election, Mr Gosling won almost 60 per cent of the vote in the two-candidate preferred count between himself and then-CLP candidate Tina Macfarlane.

Mr Gosling said the Territory had more to gain with the ALP.

“We just care more (and) get the Territory more than our opponents ever have or will,” he said.

Mr Gosling also maintained his promotion to special envoy for defence and veterans’ affairs demonstrated the Albanese Government wanted the Territory to have a greater stake in Canberra.

“It shows that he not only understands that Darwin is really critical to our nation, but that our Territory voices are heard down there in Canberra, in the federal government,” he said.

CLP candidate for Solomon Lisa Bayliss will go head-to-head with Mr Gosling in the coming months.

Mr Gosling’s new major adversary is Territory cop Lisa Bayliss, who was announced in September as the CLP’s choice to contest Solomon.

Ms Bayliss enters the election with decades of experience in law enforcement, having joined the NT Police in 1994.

Following her preselection, Ms Bayliss cited cost-of-living pressures and the economy as her two major priorities heading into her campaign.

CLP president Shane Stone described Ms Bayliss as an “outstanding” candidate.