Today, the CLP has endorsed two more experienced candidates to join the team contesting the 2020 Territory election. Publican Ian Sloan has been preselected for Daly and local tradie Phil Battye has been preselected in Goyder.
From Northern Ireland to the Northern Territory, a rite of passage lead Ian Sloan to settle on our shores, and right from the start Ian knew he had found home. He secured his visa to work at a newly opened bar in Darwin and remained employed there for 10 years. Married with 2 children, Ian and his wife went out on their own and bought the Virginia Tavern, then expanded to the local general store. Ian further invested in the Territory by opening the Berry Springs Tavern in 2014, a must stop for anyone visiting the area. “In all of these ventures we have employed local people and supported local business, community groups and charities. I am passionate about the Territory and want to see the Territory continue to be a great place to live and work,” Mr Sloan said.
Current CLP MLA for Daly, Gary Higgins believes that Ian is a very real example of the Territory spirit. “A local small businessman at heart, he loves his family, his community and most importantly the Territory. The Daly electorate will be in very good hands,” Mr Higgins said.
Phil Battye still plays in the Old Dogs Touch football competition in Humpty Doo, because that is what people in the rural area do, they get involved and stay involved. Community is in his blood.
Phil and his partner Tracy live in Humpty Doo and apart from being involved in both the local rugby union and league clubs, he appreciates how lucky he is to spend any spare time fishing, camping and hunting, unique to our part of the world.
On finishing his apprenticeship as a motor mechanic with Toyota, Phil went on to work in construction. He started his own business before launching Arnhem Welding in Humpty Doo 15 years ago. His strong understanding of the ups and downs in small business, gives him the insight to what the Territory is facing in these unprecedented times.
“Hard work and determination is a must, but having a government with experienced members, who understand what helps businesses grow is a necessity,” Mr Battye said.
“I want rural families, small and big business to thrive in the Northern Territory. I understand that there are real issues relating to crime, economy, jobs and water security facing the Territory’s rural residents. I will listen and work hard to represent residents of Goyder.”
“The calibre of the CLP’s candidates is overwhelming. We have people coming from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and experience, and we have the shared vison and goal of making the Territory the powerhouse we know it can be,” CLP Leader Lia Finocchiaro said.
“We know Territorians want better than what they have with this current Government, we’ve listened and will continue to listen, we’ve made sure we searched far and wide to find candidates who not only share our values but have on the ground real world experience. We want people who are going to roll their sleeves up from day one, we have that with this team for 2020,” CLP President Ron Kelly said
Media Contact – Ron Kelly CLP President 0408 906 173