Exciting New Faces in Country Liberals Line Up

EXCITING NEW FACES
IN COUNTRY LIBERALS LINE UP

A fresh new group of local candidates have joined the Country Liberals in the lead up to the August 27th Territory Election.

The diverse group includes people from conservation, small business, the law, policing, fire fighting, construction, teaching, sports and the arts. Former Australian Rural Woman of the Year, Giovanna Webb, who is contesting Labor-held Casuarina says it is exciting to be joining such a dynamic group.

“Traditionally the Country Liberals choose local champions with plenty of real life experience and it is a real privilege to be part of this talented team,” Giovanna says.

She certainly has plenty to contribute herself. The Columbian born zoologist runs the hugely successful Crocodylus Park with husband Professor Graham Webb, and has a keen passion for small business and conservation.

Small business operator and former professional fireman Jarred Ilett is hoping to represent the northern suburbs seat of Karama which also includes Malak. The ex-NT Thunder Captain and CEO knows something about teamwork.

“If you look at the great sporting teams, they always include a mix of seasoned champions and bright young talent – it is no different in politics,” Jarred told this reporter.

Well known in small business and arts circles, Fannie Bay local Karen Brown perhaps has the toughest challenge, as she seeks to unseat the Opposition Leader.

But the former school teacher is a natural optimist who says she is in it to win it.

The Country Liberals are proud of their results in education, including the highest NTCE Pass Rates, highest NAPLAN rates and the highest indigenous participation rates.

“I am looking forward to being part of a team that will continue to deliver economic growth to support health and education outcomes.”

Born and bred Territorian Steven Klose is fighting for the electorate of Johnston – the Jingili-Rapid Creek area he grew up in. The former Master Builders Apprentice of the Year is respected for his ability to listen and engage with the community.

“It’s not about telling people what we will do it is about asking them what they want us to do, and acting upon that,” Steven says.

“Adam Giles and the Country Liberals have a plan to grow our economy and improve our lifestyles”.

The Country Liberals have strengthened their connection with young people by pre-selecting Rohan Kelly for the electorate of Port Darwin, which includes the Central Business District and Larrakeyah.

Darwin has Australia’s youngest population. Young people make an outstanding contribution to the social and economic foundation of the Territory. The Country Liberals are committed to improving job and education opportunities for young people. “We want to connect young people to the economic and cultural opportunities of northern Australia.”

Ted Dunstan Nightcliff is a recent chairman of Neighbourhood Watch NT. A strong disabilities advocate, and a committed Christian. He is dedicated the safety and security of Nightcliff residents. Ted is developing policies to address anti-social violence. Ted is also working with the Country Liberals Government to redevelop the John Stokes Square public housing complex to unite the two main shopping precincts. Experienced, capable and proactive, Ted will contribute to our strong economy, community development, a balanced environment and good governance.
Tim Dixon is seeking to take over from a veteran politician contesting the neighbouring electorate of Fong Lim, currently held by the NT Treasurer.

Tim is passionate about the Territory lifestyle, having ceded the prospect of a lucrative big city legal career to settle in Darwin which he describes as the perfect place to raise a young family.

“The new candidates all bring something new and different to the table. What we all have in common is a burning desire to give something back to the Northern Territory,” Tim says.

You’ll find no one more passionate about Palmerston than café and gym owner Ben Hosking who is hoping to stand up in Parliament for the residents of the electorate of Drysdale.

The decorated ex Tactical Response Group police officer is running a strong law and order campaign.

“The people of Palmerston appreciate the Government’s tough on crime initiatives, however more needs to be done to tackle hooning, drunkenness and other antisocial behaviour,” Ben says.
Candidate for the rural seat of Goyder, Carolyn Reynolds has the most varied background. The molecular biophysicist, genetic engineer, teacher and businesswoman, worked as a school teacher and has a Masters of Education and Business.
Carolyn says she is passionate about helping people.

The Country Liberals team is a diverse group of professionals that is committed to the betterment of the Territory. It is quite a contrast with the rather drab line up of union officials in the Labor Party.

It looks like the election will be a choice between a close team genuinely representative of everyday locals on the one hand, and a cohort of career politicians with limited or no private sector work histories on the other.

To discover more about the new Country Liberals team, visit countryliberals.org.au or find them on Facebook.