NT Labor MPs are turning on Natasha Fyles’s leadership over alleged conflict of interest

NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles is facing internal pressure to resign following revelations alleging an undeclared conflict of interest.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles.

Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles is facing internal pressure to resign following revelations alleging an undeclared conflict of interest.

Senior Labor sources who spoke to Sky News on the condition of anonymity said high-level discussions had been held on Monday about Ms Fyles’s position after it was reported she had failed to declare a conflict of interest relating to shares she owns in mining company South 32.

The NT Independent reported Ms Fyles holds 754 shares in South 32 – which runs the Gemco mine on Groote Eylandt – and that she had not disclosed the shareholding to the public when, as health minister, she refused to investigate the suspected health impacts on Indigenous Territorians on the island earlier this year.

Ms Fyles was attending a funeral interstate on Monday. Her office said she would respond to questions about the alleged conflict of interest on Tuesday.

The latest report follows a revelation last month that Ms Fyles had lobbied for the development of the Middle Arm industrial precinct while holding shares in gas company Woodside. She at first denied there was any conflict but later agreed to divest the shares.

When asked about the alleged conflict on November 15, she said: “What I can say to Territorians is that I have always declared everything. When you are elected to parliament you declare any interests you have, from our family home, to our cars, to our membership at our local sporting club.”

Labor sources told Sky News there was concern the latest revelations had dealt a permanent blow to Ms Fyles’s credibility.

“I’m not sure how she survives this,” one source said.

They said preparations were already being made for the possibility Ms Fyles could resign this week. Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison and Infrastructure Minister Joel Bowden are being touted as possible replacements.

“The numbers are already being counted,” the source said.

Another senior Labor figure said Ms Fyles might manage to hold on to her leadership, but raised concerns the party’s chances of re-election in August would be badly damaged. They said if Ms Fyles survived, she could still face a challenge early next year if Labor’s polling does not improve.

A poll last month by the Redbridge Group had Labor’s primary vote at less than 20 per cent.