Leader of the Opposition

LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA
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MEDIA RELEASE
18th May 2020

Finocchiaro announces CLP Cabinet Executive
​Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro has announced the Executive of her CLP Cabinet ahead of the Territory election.
 “The Country Liberal Party has experienced candidates with strong credentials contesting the election and it is vital to have a Cabinet Executive step up and represent the wider CLP team,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
 “The CLP Cabinet Executive will include myself as Leader, Tracey Hayes (contesting Fannie Bay), Gerard Maley (contesting Nelson), Damien Ryan (contesting Araluen) and Steve Edgington (contesting Barkly). I’m also pleased to announce that Tracey Hayes will be Treasurer in a CLP Government.
 “My Cabinet Executive highlights the calibre and skill of the CLP team which will be necessary to rebuild our economy and make our communities safe. Since 2016, the Gunner Government has skyrocketed Territory debt from $1.8 billion to possibly $7 billion or more. Under the Gunner Government the NT has consistently had the worst performing economy in the nation. Territorians are sick of coming last.
 “We have a plan for recovery out of the COVID-19 crisis and for how we build a strong Northern Territory into the future. If elected, the CLP will work tirelessly to drive job creation, tackle crime to make the community safe and play to our key economic strengths to create opportunities for all Territorians.
 “Tracey Hayes is an incredibly experienced Territory professional and industry leader who has worked in public affairs, strategic development, crisis management, corporate social responsibility, negotiation and runs a small business employing several Territorians. Tracey serves on numerous boards important to the Territory and is passionate about our unique lifestyle.
 “Gerard Maley has extensive experience in the legal profession as a well-respected solicitor for 14 years specialising in criminal and family law. He’s also a qualified auto mechanic. Gerard loves Darwin’s rural area and is a fierce advocate for the rural lifestyle. His community service extends to several volunteer roles with organisations in the rural area.
 “A former small businessman in a variety of fields including tourism and hospitality, Damien Ryan has been the Mayor of Alice Springs for 12 years. He’s a former commissioner of the Territory Grants Commission. Damien has been heavily involved in the Australian Local Government Association and is a proud advocate of Alice Springs and the red centre, and wants to see economic development and law and order for Alice Springs.
 “Finally but not least, Steve Edgington is the Mayor of the Barkly Regional Council and a former police officer of 16 years who is passionate about tackling crime and making communities safer, as well as restoring services cut by the Labor Government. Steve is also a qualified lawyer and has numerous community service roles including in local Rotary and sport.
 “There will be a lot to do under a CLP Government and I’m proud to be a part of this pre-election leadership team. My focus will be on driving investment and productivity growth, a staged recovery and a return to balanced budgets. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team as we prepare for Government in August,” Tracey Hayes said.
“Through my experience as a long term rural resident and lawyer I have seen the hardship facing many families in the Northern Territory as a result of economic and social disorder. I also see how everyday Territorians are simply left out of the decision making process by the Gunner Government. I am privileged to be part of the CLP Executive Cabinet, this will give my constituents and other rural residents a real voice in parliament. Lia as our leader building the executive cabinet will provide Territorians with a credible alternative Government in August,” Gerard Maley said.
 “Alice Springs and Central Australia need and deserve a strong voice in the Territory Parliament. I will be one of those voices in a CLP Government. Addressing crime and the economy is important for Alice Springs and it will only happen under the CLP,” Damien Ryan said.
“Our family has been a part of the Barkly region for many years and I understand what’s needed to help put the Barkly back on the map. Now more than ever we need a CLP Government that will work together with the community to tackle crime, provide more housing to keep our families safe, and will deliver policies to create jobs and get the economy going. Nothing will happen under Labor but we will get things done under the CLP,” Steve Edgington said.
 “I look forward to working with this Cabinet Executive over the next few months to get the CLP elected. Now more than ever the Territory needs the CLP and its vision to focus on jobs, safety and opportunity for the future,” Mrs Finocchiaro concluded.
​ENDS

"Only together can we build a better Territory for you and your family.”

- LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA, Leader of the Country Liberal Party and member for Spillett