AT the time of writing, the future of the NT Government hangs in the balance after the defection of the Member for MacDonnell to the cross benches in Parliament this week.
The Henderson Government maintains the majority of seats in the Legislative Assembly as elected in 2008 however the two Independents in the Parliament now hold the balance of power.
With the Member for MacDonnell indicating she’ll vote with the Country Liberals – the final decision looks likely to rest with the Independent Member for Nelson in a debate and vote that will take place on Friday 14th August 2009.
My first political birthday occurred on 9 August and whilst assessing my first year in the political arena I can not help but reflect on an unprecedented time of massive Labor government policy design and development for the Territory its complex implementation process in a global economic meltdown and the relentless destabilising tactics of an opposition only focussed on ‘divide and conquer!
My position is clear as the Member for Barkly and a Minister in the Henderson Government as we have the most seats of any party in Parliament – we have plans for the future and will provide a stable government for all Territorians.
An election is not the answer – Territorians expect us to sort this out in Parliament – and that’s what we should do.
As you read the paper on Friday I will be actively participating in the debate that will effectively decide if Territorians go to a general election in September 2009 and my position will focus on the Barkly and the work in progress that has begun in my first term as your local member.
I make no excuses for the ‘wheel turning slowly’ and I have never had my ‘shoulder to such a huge wheel’ however in the business of running the Territory it is imperative you get it right and the Henderson Government has set a course toward 2030 that will deliver a fruitful future for all Territorians and their children.
The Labor Government judged on its past performance since 2001 has demonstrated responsible economic management turning a broken down and failing economy it inherited to one that is now sustaining us through the worst global economic times since the Great Depression.
In the current term Labor policy is big and bold and with any gutsy effort in government you engage with risk but that is the nature of good governance and ‘not for the faint hearted!’
I came into this business as a team player with Barkly clearly stamped on my jersey and that is the way I will continue where ‘cut and run’ is not an option but to ‘stand and fight’ is the only way forward.
We are going forward in the Territory and the Territories total growth is then translated to all the regions and its people for a sustainable future and that remains the focus of the Henderson Government.
Watch this space as I am doing everything in my power to ‘fight on for another day’ and complete the work I have commenced for both the people of the Barkly and the NT.