CLP set to lose majority in NT

THE Northern Territory faces a return to minority government or fresh elections, as the ruling Country Liberal Party edges toward another internal crisis.

Chief Minister Adam Giles announcing Dave Tollner has resigned. Picture: Aaron Burton

THE Northern Territory faces a return to minority government or calling fresh elections just two years after the last poll, as the ruling Country Liberal Party edges toward another internal crisis.

Sources told The Australian that former deputy chief minister Dave Tollner was expected to quit parliament soon after a partyroom meeting due on Monday to elect his replacement, not having enough support to regain the post.

The move would prompt a by-election in his seat of Fong Lim, which pundits say the CLP would probably lose. If the party were also to lose a forthcoming by-election in the seat of Casuarina, where Labor is the favourite, the government would no longer have a majority.

The CLP would then have to negotiate with the Palmer United Party or independent Gerry Wood to retain power, or call an early general election.

The government has had two leaders, three deputies, several reshuffles and lost three MPs since it was elected in mid-2012.

The Australian understands the CLP’s 13 remaining members are split on who should replace Mr Tollner as deputy, with rival factions favouring Attorney-General John Elferink and junior Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Peter Styles.

Negotiations to resolve the impasse, and to try to persuade Mr Tollner not to resign, are expected to continue this weekend unless a snap meeting is held early. Mr Tollner did not return calls last night.

Parliament descended into a barrage of insults yesterday as Labor Opposition Leader Delia Lawrie tried unsuccessfully to censure Chief Minister Adam Giles for his “lies, culture of cover-up and failure to govern with the integrity and honesty Territorians require”.

Mr Giles accused Ms Lawrie of being “on life support”, in danger of losing her own position.

He sought to deflect attention on to the findings of an inquiry into the granting by the former Labor government of a rent-free, long-term lease to Unions NT.

“The inquiry was highly critical of the current Labor leader and her deputy, who gifted a valuable public asset to the union movement in a smelly abuse of process,” Mr Giles said.

Mr Wood told The Australian he would prefer minority government to fresh elections should the CLP lose its majority.

He said striking a deal would not necessarily require a change of leadership.

It is unlikely the PUP could work with the CLP without replacing Mr Giles.