[CDU eNews] - OUR EXPERTS IN THE NT NEWS TOMORROW

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Our experts in the NT News tomorrow

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

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.

Their views will be reported in full in a special feature in the Northern
Territory News tomorrow, covering the main issues of the campaign, how the
two party leaders have performed and the seats to watch.

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

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.

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.


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

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