Fri. Nov 22nd, 2024
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Eva Lawler will be the Northern Territory’s new chief minister, according to multiple statements from members of the Labor government.

Current NT Treasurer Ms Lawler is set to replace outgoing chief minister Natasha Fyles, who yesterday resigned after was uncovered she owned undisclosed shares in a mining company with interests in the territory.

Chansey Paech, who is currently the attorney-general and Aboriginal affairs minister, will be the next deputy chief minister.

The Labor Caucus met this afternoon and made the decision unanimously.

Ms Lawler and Mr Paech will be sworn into their positions on Thursday.

“The Territory Labor Government is completely focused on creating jobs, tackling cost of living pressures and making the Territory safer,” Ms Lawler said in a statement.

“Those are our priorities because those are Territorians priorities.”

Member for Namatjira Chansey Paech in NT Parliament on Wednesday May 3, 2017.
Member for Gwoja Chansey Paech is set to be Ms Lawler’s deputy.(ABC News: Andie Smith)

Prominent cabinet member Nicole Manison, who announced her contention for the leadership following Ms Fyles’s resignation, will move to the backbench with Ms Fyles.

“I want to send my best wishes to Eva Lawler,” Ms Manison said.

“Despite receiving very strong support to run as chief, I have decided to support Eva.

“I know Eva has one of the proudest histories going as a Territorian and I know she will be an amazing new chief.

Acting Chief Minister Nicole Manison stands at a podium at a press conference.

Nicole Manison will remain the Member for Wanguri and move to the backbench.(ABC News: Che Chorley)

“For me, I have also decided I need to make way for the next generation of leaders in the NT government.

“I will be stepping down from cabinet today too.”

Ms Manison is currently the Northern Territory’s deputy chief minister and holds the portfolios of mining, industry and trade, and renewables and energy.

Ms Lawler thanked Ms Manison for her “hard work over the last seven years in Cabinet and the work that she has put into growing the territory’s jobs and economy”.

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