Northern Territory Country Liberal Party (CLP) leader Lia Finocchiaro has celebrated a decisive victory in the recent election, ending eight years of Labor rule. The CLP won at least 15 of the 25 parliamentary seats, while Labor was reduced to just four, and outgoing Chief Minister Eva Lawler lost her seat.
This significant defeat for Labor is raising concerns for the federal party, as the Albanese government prepares for an election by May next year. The Labor Party faces challenges in retaining its position in Queensland in October and in Western Australia early next year.
Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud have both highlighted that the result reflects broader discontent with the Labor Party, suggesting that crime and economic issues in the Northern Territory could impact federal perceptions. Ley warned that the defeat signifies a shift away from Labor and could influence Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s standing. Littleproud noted that rising crime and economic troubles in the NT are contributing to the party’s difficulties.
Federal Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Cabinet Minister Bill Shorten downplayed the immediate impact on federal politics, attributing the NT election outcome to local issues such as crime. However, Shorten acknowledged that the result might have some federal implications, given the broader context of dissatisfaction with Labor’s governance.
Finocchiaro, the new Chief Minister, promised to address the high crime rates and economic decline that contributed to Labor’s loss. Her victory signals a potential shift in voter sentiment that could reverberate through upcoming federal and state elections, posing a significant challenge for Labor.
