Northern Territory Government announces first cabinet reshuffle since election
Updated
The Northern Territory Government has announced its first cabinet reshuffle since coming to power two years ago, promoting backbencher Selena Uibo, and giving Chief Minister Michael Gunner the new role of Minister for Treaty.
Mr Gunner also becomes Minister for Children, which was until recently held by his deputy Nicole Manison.
She remains in her other roles as Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure, Planning, and Logistics, and also takes over the police portfolio, which is traditionally held by the Chief Minister.
Mr Gunner has also passed the portfolio of Aboriginal affairs to Aboriginal MLA Ken Vowles, who announced his interest in the role earlier in the year, saying an Aboriginal minister should be in the role.
Ms Uibo is new to politics, winning the seat of Arnhem in 2016, and joins Cabinet as the ninth minster, taking the portfolio of education from Eva Lawler and gaining a new portfolio of workplace training.
The ABC understands Ms Uibo was one of five backbenchers to put their hand up for the new role, but some backbenchers say the outcome was a given and suggested her appointment was based on politics, not merit.
Several backbenchers have told the ABC the Labor leadership is not listening to them, but all say they remain committed to the Government's agenda.
The reshuffle is the Labor Government's first since it was elected in a landslide victory in August 2016, and places it at the halfway point to the 2020 election.
More to come.
Topics: politics-and-government, government-and-politics, darwin-0800, nt
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