Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro talks with NT Police Association President Nathan Finn. Law and order is high on her agenda. Photo: Facebook/Lia Finocchiaro MLA.
The new CLP Government’s historic first day of parliamentary sittings since winning the 2024 election has outlined to Territorians how it will reduce crime, rebuild the economy, and restore the Northern Territory’s unique lifestyle.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said day one of the first sittings of the 15th Legislative Assembly on 15 October highlighted the diversity and skillset of the CLP’s 17-member team.
“It has been humbling to see our new MLAs deliver their maiden speeches in Parliament, and outline their vision for the Territory,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
“The common theme is that our members genuinely want to make a difference for the people they represent, and the Territory as a whole, after they saw our people suffer under eight years of Labor.
“We take this responsibility bestowed upon us by Territorians extremely seriously, and we won’t let them down.”
The newly elected CLP MLAs who delivered their maiden speeches were Matthew Kerle (Blain), Khoda Patel (Casuarina), Clinton Howe (Drysdale), Laurie Zio (Fannie Bay), Tanzil Rahman (Fong Lim), Andrew Mackay (Goyder), Brian O’Gallagher (Karama), Robyn Cahill (Port Darwin), Jinson Charls (Sanderson), and Oly Carlson (Wanguri).
“I congratulate all of our new MLAs on their first day in Parliament, which is an honour and privilege for all of us,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.
“Over the next five days of Parliament for this first Sittings, our government will introduce our ‘Reducing Crime’ package, starting with Declan’s Law.
“Territorians have given the CLP a clear mandate to deliver these changes, and we make no apologies for doing so.”
Leader of Government Business Steve Edgington said the CLP announced new measures to improve integrity and transparency of Parliament.
“In Opposition, we made it clear we were committed to greater levels of transparency, accountability and good practice in Parliamentary procedure,” he said.
“I am pleased that our CLP team is restoring these practices through this parliament and delivering improvements to our Assembly, including the election of Independent Speaker, Robyn Lambley MLA.
“Our new sessional orders will allow for petitions to be debated for double the time allowed by Labor, and the newly established Legislative Scrutiny Committee will have the opportunity to review and report on legislation, further enhancing parliamentary transparency.”
