Territory Labor’s donations revealed on eve of Johnston by-election

TERRITORY Labor has amassed a war chest of $168,187 from 152 donors since July

From left, Territory Alliance’s Steven Klose, Greens’ Aiya Goodrich Carttling, the CLP’s Josh Thomas and Labor’s Joel Bowden are all vying for a spot in Territory parliament in today’s Johnston by-election

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THE 4988 electors who will determine the outcome of today’s Johnston by-election are the Territory’s most powerful people.

One-third – 1548 – have already cast their vote through pre-polling, keen to send a message which will be extrapolated across the Territory ahead of August’s general election.

There is a lot riding on the outcome of today’s by-election. Territory Labor has thrown everything at retaining the seat it holds with a 15 per cent margin, amassing a war chest of $168,187 from 152 donors since July. A loss – or even a big swing against it – could mean the end of Michael Gunner’s chief ministership.

Donation returns released by the Northern Territory Electoral Commission yesterday show the amount raised by each party for the Johnston by-election campaign period from last July to February 27.

Labor collected more than all other parties combined.

The Country Liberal Party declared $22,725 from 15 donors, Territory Alliance collected $18,552 from 61 donors and Ban Fracking Fix Crime Protect Water declared $15,198 from 11 donors.

The Greens received $500 from a single donor.

Territory Alliance’s Steven Klose remained the bookies’ favourite yesterday with Sportsbet offering odds of $1.70 on him for a by-election win.

Labor’s Joel Bowden was second at $1.90 and the CLP’s Josh Thomas was an outside chance at $2.75. Not only is today’s by-election expected to be a referendum on the performance of the Labor Government and Mr Gunner’s leadership, but it could drastically change the face of the parliament.

Ex-Labor MLA turned independent Jeff Collins is toying with joining Territory Alliance and has doorknocked homes in Johnston on Mr Klose’s behalf. If Mr Klose were to win today and Mr Collins switch allegiance, opposition status – and the monetary resources that come with it – would shift from the CLP to Territory Alliance.

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CLP leader Lia Finocchiaro downplayed concerns her party could lose opposition status. “Nothing is going to stop the CLP listening and sharing the values and concerns of Territorians,” she said. “That is our commitment to them. We are not interested in titles.”

Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills said he had sympathy for Mr Gunner, whose leadership will be under threat should Labor suffer a big swing against it tonight.

“For those (Labor MLAs) who think they’re going to fix this by breaking something – like getting rid of Michael – is that actually going to fix the problem?” Mr Mills said.

Tensions came to a head at the early voting centre set up at the Rapid Creek shops on Thursday.

Witnesses told the NT News Mr Bowden and Mr Thomas squared off after Mr Thomas overheard a sledge from the Labor candidate mocking his sartorial choices.