[CDU eNews] - CDU POLITICS EXPERT SAYS LAW AND ORDER, AND LEADERSHIP, KEY ISSUES IN TERRITORY ELECTION

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Leadership, law and order main issues in the Territory election

Law and order and leadership will be among the main issues in the Northern
Territory election campaign, Charles Darwin University politics and history
lecturer Dr Bill Wilson said today.

Other issues include development and the economy, and the Territory
lifestyle.

Dr Wilson said antisocial behaviour, such as that of itinerants, and the
prevalence of noisy parties had emerged as a major issue.

 "Leadership and personalities will also be very important," Dr Wilson
said. "I expect this to be a presidential-style campaign dominated by the
leaders of the two major parties, the Chief Minister Clare Martin, and the
Opposition Leader Denis Burke.

"Their style of leadership and how they are perceived by the electorate
will be crucial to the outcome. The result is too close to call at the
moment, but the campaign will decide the outcome. We might have a clearer
indication in a few days' time."

On the other two issues:

   "The economic and structural development of the Territory and what each
   major party has to offer will be a key factor. I'm sure the CLP will
   point negatively to what Labor has achieved in this area in its four
   years in office."

   "Lifestyle is a perennial issue, perhaps defined as our unfettered
   ability to enjoy the riches of the Territory. Fishing and boat ramps are
   important here and already we have seen evidence of that from both
   parties."

Dr Wilson has been publicly tipping June 18 as the election date since as
far back as last February and his suspicions were confirmed today when the
date was announced.

"It just seemed to be the date that fitted best," he said. "The date had to
fit between various commitments, such as the Budget, Community Cabinet in
Alice Springs, long weekends and the July school holidays.

"I think the Chief Minister, Clare Martin, would also have had a desire to
avoid going to the Estimates Committee next month."

An election could have been deferred until August - and, in fact until
October, four years after the first sitting of Parliament under the current
administration - but this could have led to perceptions that Labor was
clinging on to power.

Dr Wilson said several electorates could hold the key to the election - and
not just in the northern suburbs of Darwin.

"Goyder and Daly where the CLP incumbents Peter Maley and Tim Baldwin are
not standing, could be vulnerable. In Greatorex, I expect Labor's Fran
Kilgariff, the Alice Springs Mayor, to give the Opposition's Deputy Leader
Dr Richard Lim a good run for his money, and there will be a close contest
in Macdonnell between the sitting member John Elferink and Labor's Alison
Anderson.

"In the northern suburbs, seats to watch in particular are Millner where a
strong conservative independent Phil Mitchell is running against Labor
member Mathew Bonson and the CLP's Paul Mossman, while Johnston (held by
Labor's Chris Burns) and Karama (held by Labor's Delia Lawrie) could also
change hands."


Bill Wilson is available for interview



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

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K