Labor to examine NT fallout ahead of federal poll: PM

NT CLP Leader Lia Finocchiaro soared to an emphatic victory in Saturday's election. ((A)manda Parkinson/AAP PHOTOS)

Labor's wipeout in the Northern Territory election has led to questions about what it means for the federal government's chances at the next national poll.

A swing of more than 10 per cent to the Country Liberal Party pushed NT Labor from government in Saturday's election after two terms in office.

Labor has been reduced to four seats in the territory's 25-seat parliament, prompting concerns about the national party's prospects in the election expected to be held by May.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there are lessons to be learned from the NT poll.

"We, of course, will have a look at any implications, which are there, but we will work constructively with the new Northern Territory government," he told ABC Radio on Monday.

However, the prime minister said the NT campaign was dominated by local issues.

"You have law and order issues, which are the responsibility, of course, of the territory," he said.

"They were front and centre of the election campaign.

"You had another factor that if you have three chief ministers in two years, which is what occurred, then you have that sort of disruption as well. 

"That's hardly conducive to saying that you're a stable government."

Outgoing chief minister Eva Lawler lost her own seat of Drysdale.

Federal Labor holds both of the NT's lower house electorates.

The Darwin-based seat of Solomon is held by Luke Gosling on a margin of 9.3 per cent.

Lingiari is held by Marion Scrymgour on a slim margin of  0.9 per cent, after the Country Liberals earned a more than four per cent swing at the 2022 federal election.

The federal election is due to be held by May 17 at the latest, although the government can call a poll at any time.

Voters are also heading to the ballot box in the ACT, Queensland and Western Australia before the May deadline.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store