NT’s Country Liberal Party endorse Leslie Tungatalum as Arafura candidate

A Tiwi Islands leader ‘following in his father’s footsteps’ has been endorsed as the Country Liberal Party’s candidate for Arafura. See who will contest the seat, and when.

Territory Labor has revealed its candidate for the Arafura seat. Picture: Supplied

The Country Liberal Party has announced its candidate for Arafura four weeks out from the by-election.

Leslie Tungatalum will go up against Labor’s Manuel Brown for the Top End seat, which covers the Tiwi Islands, West Arnhem and Kakadu National Park.

Mr Tungatalum is the Tiwi Islands Regional Council deputy mayor, while he holds several senior roles across the electorate.

However his political stripes stretch back much further.

He is the son of the late Hyacinth Tungatalum, a former CLP Member for Tiwi and the first Indigenous Australian to be elected to a state or Territory parliament.

Mr Tungatalum is also the Bathurst Island Housing Association chairman, NT Aboriginal Investment Corporation board director, and Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board chair.

Tiwi Islands Regional Council deputy mayor Leslie Tungatalum has been named the candidate for the Arafura by-election. Picture: Supplied

Mr Tungatalum said he wanted to “set a strong example for young people” in the electorate.

“I’m passionate about developing the long-term growth opportunities for the people of Arafura and other Indigenous Territorians,” Mr Tungatalum said.

“I know that as part of the CLP team I can deliver a better future for the people of Arafura

“It would be an honour to represent this electorate and follow in my father’s footsteps as a member of the NT parliament representing the CLP.”

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said she was looking forward to working with Mr Tungatalum.

“Leslie Tungatalum has a deep connection to culture, community and country,” she said.

“I am looking forward to working with Leslie to ensure the people of Arafura have the strongest voice working for them in the Northern Territory parliament.”

The by-election will take place on March 18, with early voting open from March 6.

It comes after the former Arafura MLA Lawrence Costa died suddenly in December.

A state funeral for the former Labor member will first be held on March 1, while a second service on-country on Melville Island will follow two days later.

’Strong, local voice’: Territory Labor reveals Arafura candidate

A Takaringuwi man who has “dedicated his working life to community service” is Territory Labor’s candidate for the Arafura seat.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said Manuel Brown worked within community development, alcohol and other drugs, and youth services including youth diversion.

Manuel Brown is Territory Labor's candidate for the Arafura seat. Picture: Supplied

“Manuel has been living and working in Maningrida, with his wife Jessica and three children Kendyn, Bella, Heath and Rachel, since 2015 working in various roles with Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation, Malala Health and Northern Land Council,” Ms Fyles said.

“We would be proud to have Manuel join our team, and he will be a strong, local voice for the people of Arafura.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the Arafura by-election would be held on March 18. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

The announcement comes after Ms Fyles previously said she would ask for the by-election to be held on March 18.

The last Arafura MLA’s state funeral will be held on March 1, followed by an on-Country service on March 3.

“Allowing that fortnight or so then allows the electoral commission to get out to those remote communities,” she said in January.

“They have a strong program of visiting our communities, allowing for pre-polling in more central, larger locations, so all of that will be worked through.

“It’s very important that everyone has their opportunity to vote.”

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Originally published as NT’s Country Liberal Party endorse Leslie Tungatalum as Arafura candidate