The Northern Territory Government's new cabinet has been chosen, with former energy minister Eva Lawler named as Treasurer, and Chief Minister Natasha Fyles retaining the health portfolio.
Ms Fyles was sworn in as the territory's new Chief Minister earlier this month, following the resignation of Michael Gunner from the role.
This morning Ms Fyles announced her first ministry, which she said would "focus on strengthening the economy and tackling social challenges across the territory".
Seven ministers in the nine-member cabinet are women, and three are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
"Who would have thought from the Northern Territory — I'm really proud," Ms Fyles said on Monday morning.
"It's about putting the pieces together and making sure that we have the strongest representation for the Northern Territory."
Along with her key role as Chief Minister, Ms Fyles will stay on as the NT's health minister – a role she held throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are still in a pandemic, we're very much hoping that that public health emergency phase will end soon, but I believe it's important to provide that stability," Ms Fyles said.
She will also be responsible for the portfolios of alcohol policy, major projects and defence.
Chansey Paech to become top lawmaker
In today's shake-up, the major winners include Member for Gwoja, Chansey Paech, who has picked up the job as the Northern Territory's top lawmaker, the Attorney-General.
Mr Paech, an Indigenous man and the only serving Labor MLA from Central Australia, also stays on as the territory's arts minister, and becomes the leader of government business.
"We certainly recognise Central Australia and the voice that they have," Ms Fyles said.
"Mr Paech has been an excellent advocate."
Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison takes over from Ms Fyles as tourism minister and retains her position as the Northern Territory's mining and industry minister.
Kate Worden continues as the territory families and prevention of domestic violence minister, and has also landed the challenging role of police minister.
Ms Lawler takes the reigns of the NT's finances as Treasurer.
The former school teacher also returns to the role of education minister, and holds onto her previous portfolio of infrastructure, planning and logistics.
"[With] her attention to detail, I'm certainly very proud to have her as a Treasurer in my government," Ms Fyles said.
Selena Uibo relinquishes the role as Attorney-General but hangs onto the portfolio of treaty and local decision making.
The Fyles Government's newest minister, Ngaree Ah Kit, has been given a handful of junior portfolios, including international education and multicultural affairs.
"What I'll be looking at doing first and foremost is learning the lay of the land, making sure that I get all of the briefings under my belt, [and] learning about all of the great work that's been done," Ms Ah Kit said.
Former government whip Mark Monaghan has been named as the NT parliament's new speaker.
Ex-AFL player Joel Bowden was thought to be in contention for the speaker's position, however has not been named among the new ministry.
Former chief minister Michael Gunner has not been given a cabinet portfolio.
"We are prioritising sustainable communities for all Territorians with a transparent, united and stable government."
The new Fyles Government cabinet was sworn in this morning, the same day as incoming Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Ms Fyles said she expected to work closely with the new Federal Labor Government on seeing their pre-election commitments delivered for the NT.
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles's new ministry:
Natasha Fyles
- Chief Minister
- Health
- Alcohol policy
- Major projects
- Defence
Nicole Manison
- Deputy Chief Minister
- Tourism and hospitality
- Parks and rangers
- Advanced manufacturing
- Mining and industry
- Northern Australia and trade
Eva Lawler
- Treasurer
- Education
- Infrastructure, planning and logistics
- Territory development
Lauren Moss
- Environment, climate change and water security
- Mental health and suicide prevention
- Equality and inclusion
- Youth
- Seniors
Selena Uibo
- Housing and homelands
- Renewables and energy
- Essential services
- Aboriginal affairs
- Treaty and local decision making
Paul Kirby
- Business, jobs and training
- Agribusiness and fisheries
- Public employment
- Major events
- Veteran's affairs
Kate Worden
- Police, fire and emergency services
- Territory families
- Prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence
- Sport
Chansey Paech
- Attorney-General and minister for justice
- Leader of government business
- Racing, gaming and licensing
- Local government
- Arts, culture and heritage
- Desert knowledge Australia
Ngaree Ah Kit
- Corporate and digital development
- International education
- Disabilities
- Multicultural affairs
