[CDU eNews] - CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY EXPERTS TIP A SWING TO LABOR IN NT POLL

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

CDU experts tip a swing to Labor

Three Charles Darwin University political commentators all predict the
Martin Labor Government will be returned to power with an increased
majority at the Northern Territory election tomorrow (Saturday).

All three experts forecast a swing to Labor of about 5 per cent, giving
them 14 seats in the 25-seat Legislative Assembly.

The Labor Party won election in 2001 for the first time in Territory
history and currently has 13 seats. The opposition Country Liberal Party
has 10 and there are two Independents.

The experts are Professor David Carment, AM, Professor of History, Dr Bill
Wilson, lecturer in history and politics, and Ken Parish, lecturer in law
and a former Labor MLA for Millner.

Professor Carment said he believed the Chief Minister, Clare Martin, had
been a stronger campaigner than Opposition Leader, Denis Burke, "but the
gap between the two leaders is not as wide as I anticipated".

Dr Wilson said while he was predicting a Labor victory, he cautioned that
Green preferences "might change the outcome and allow a CLP victory".

Mr Parish said Ms Martin had performed solidly throughout the campaign but
Mr Burke had failed to make up ground and had made far too many gaffes.




Professor Carment, Dr Wilson and Mr Parish are available for interview

·     David Carment, AM, Professor of History, (08) 8946 6744, mob 0418 857
182

·     Dr Bill Wilson, lecturer in history and politics, (08) 8946 6288

·     Ken Parish, lecturer in law and former Labor MLA for Millner, (08)
8946 6842, mob 0400 256421



Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K