A third defector from the Northern Territory's Country Liberal Party will now contest the federal election with a minor party, hoping to install itself as the territory's conservative voice in parliament.
Senator Sam McMahon, who resigned from the CLP earlier in the year and is now running with the Liberal Democrats, today announced that former CLP Vice President Jed Hansen would run in second place on the minor party's senate ticket.
They were today joined by the party's Queensland senate candidate, former LNP premier Campbell Newman, who claimed the CLP had "sold out" by supporting the NT government's vaccine mandate.
"They haven't stood against the vaccine mandates," he said.
"They haven't pointed out the illogical and stupid inconsistencies that have been inflicted on people in the Territory."
In recent months the CLP has lost its president, a vice president, and its only federal representative.
CLP focussing on the people
The CLP has been out on the campaign trail this week, with its candidate for Solomon Tina MacFarlane talking to people on the ground.
"I'm focussing on the electorate of Solomon and I'm out there working, door-knocking," she said.
"We've got a fantastic team. And I say we've got a fantastic Territory team in Lia and her colleagues as well.
"The people of the Territory are the important thing going into this federal election."
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, today announced close to one million dollars for two local businesses under a program supporting Northern Australian enterprises.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, reiterated a budget commitment to spend $440 million on new logistics hubs in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine.
CLP senate candidate Jacinta Price said she was focussed on strengthening the Northern Territory and keeping the economy strong.
"It is only the coalition government that can do that, that can be in the engine room, making sure that there are jobs," she said.
"As well as taking care of our defence, particularly in the circumstances we're currently faced with, with China not too far away from us."
Labor's Luke Gosling looking to secure third term
Labor MP for Solomon Luke Gosling, who is hoping to secure a third term, was today on the campaign trail just outside of Palmerston, where he announced $2.5 million in fishing facilities.
"This boat ramp at Elizabeth River, this land base fishing jetty and the car park up the back is where we're going to situate a great clubhouse for the Palmerston game fishing club but also a multi-use function centre," he said.
Mr Gosling was asked whether he believed the CLP defections had helped his chances, however he brushed aside the question and said his focus remained on his electorate.
Mr Gosling also offered cautious support for a federal government commitment of $1.5 billion in port infrastructure and insisted it would be spent if his party formed government.
"It doesn't look like that work has been done, but we're 100 per cent committed to that infrastructure for the harbour."
