The Country Liberal Party (CLP) is projected to win a majority in the Northern Territory election, ending eight years of Labor government. ABC Chief Election Analyst Antony Green has predicted the CLP will form government after a night of huge swings against Labor. Double-digit swings towards the CLP are being seen across the Northern Territory, with early figures showing a two-party-preferred swing of more than 10 per cent.
The CLP leader, Lia Finocchiaro, is expected to hold a victory speech shortly.
Key Seats and Results
The ABC is projecting Labor leader Eva Lawler will lose her seat of Drysdale to CLP candidate Clinton Howe in a huge swing against the sitting chief minister. Green said, “On these numbers Eva Lawler will lose her own seat … and that is a remarkable result. This is mirroring results across the territory and across Greater Darwin.”
Labor was vying for a third consecutive term in government, where the party has been for 19 of the past 23 years in the Northern Territory.
Natasha Fyles, who resigned as chief minister in December before Ms Lawler took over, said the result was “extremely disappointing.” “I am hopeful for eight seats for Labor,” she said.
Thirteen seats are needed to form majority government in the Northern Territory. Labor went into the election holding 14 seats, the CLP seven and independents held four seats.
Ms Lawler, in her concession speech, said it had been “an absolute privilege to be your chief minister of the Northern Territory.” “I am proud of the hard fight that we have fought in this campaign,” she said.
“Unfortunately, we have not got over the line tonight.
“It looks like I have lost my seat and I know some of our great candidates and great members have also lost their seats as well.
“So, absolutely a sad night for Labor, but to all of you who are here, the people who have campaigned so hard for so long, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Greens' Potential First Win
The Greens could make history this election with Suki Dorras-Walker leading in the Labor-held electorate of Fannie Bay over the CLP's Laurie Zio. If Ms Dorras-Walker was to hold on, it would be the first time the Greens have ever won a seat at a Northern Territory election.
Labor's Losses and CLP Gains
Labor has seen punishing results in the northern suburbs of Darwin, inner-Darwin and electorates in Palmerston, while the CLP looks likely to retain key seats in Alice Springs. Many bush seats are too early to call.
The Swing Away from Labor
Antony Green described the result as a “substantial defeat” for Labor and said the CLP “will win with a majority and may be a substantial majority.”
The Role of Crime and Youth Justice
This perception has been fueled by a number of high-profile incidents, including the recent introduction of a curfew for young people in Alice Springs. The curfew, which was introduced by the Labor government in an attempt to curb crime, has been controversial and has been criticized by some for being ineffective and for disproportionately impacting Indigenous young people.
Looking Ahead
The CLP’s victory will likely lead to a change in direction for the Northern Territory. The party has pledged to focus on tackling crime, improving the economy, and investing in infrastructure.
The CLP’s win also has implications for the upcoming federal election, which is due to be held in 2025. The CLP’s victory is likely to embolden the Coalition, which has been struggling in recent polls.
The Next Chapter
The Northern Territory is now entering a new chapter, one that will be defined by the CLP’s vision for the territory. It remains to be seen whether the CLP will be able to deliver on its promises, but the party’s victory has undoubtedly shaken up the political landscape in the Territory.
