NEW TERRITORY LEADERSHIP SHUFFLE: Meet the Unlikely Duo Shaking Up NT Politics – IT Guru Turned Fishing Enthusiast Takes Helm of Country Liberal Party as Labor Appoints Former Chief Minister
- Country Liberal Party elects Nathan Land, a Darwin IT professional and fishing enthusiast, as its new president in a shocking move.
- Land, son of former City of Darwin councillor Noel Land, vows to strengthen the party and ensure Territorians get “a fair go from Canberra.”
- Meanwhile, Territory Labor appoints former NT chief minister Clare Martin as its new president, just days after the CLP’s announcement.
- Martin, who led Labor into government in 2001, promises to rebuild the party after a devastating loss in last year’s NT election.
In a dramatic turn of events, the Country Liberal Party (CLP) has elected a new president, just days after the opposition Territory Labor welcomed a former chief minister into its leadership role. Nathan Land, a Darwin IT professional and passionate fishing enthusiast, has been voted in as the next president of the CLP, following a decision by outgoing president Natasha Griggs to step aside due to health reasons.
Land, who has served as vice-president of the Darwin Game Fishing Club for six years, is no stranger to the community. He has also acted as an emcee at the club’s iconic Barramundi Classic, an annual fishing event regularly attended by CLP politicians, including Treasurer Bill Yan. In a statement announcing his election, Land said he was committed to “continuous improvement” for the CLP and vowed to ensure Territorians get “a fair go from Canberra.”
“I love fishing, I love the territory’s outdoor lifestyle, and I want my kids to enjoy everything that is special about growing up Territorian, just like I did,” Land said. “The Country Liberal Party is strong, united and ready to hold the Albanese Labor government to account.”
Meanwhile, Territory Labor has appointed former NT chief minister Clare Martin as its new president. Martin, who led Labor into government in 2001, said she was approached about taking up the role and thought, “I’m pretty good at rebuilding things.” The party “took a big hit” at last year’s NT election, leaving the 25-seat parliament with just four Labor Territorians – all representing remote electorates.
“There’s no doubt about it, that was a big loss,” Martin said. “My task is to work with the members, work with the community and rebuild the Labor Party to its strength.”
Opposition Leader Selena Ubio welcomed Martin’s appointment, saying she “never dreamed that I’d be working alongside” the former chief minister. Martin’s experience and leadership will be crucial in rebuilding the party, Ubio said.