Decimated CLP getting on with the job, says NT's Deputy Chief Minister

The government lost its one-seat majority on July 20 when Speaker Kezia Purick resigned from the Country Liberal Party due to its perceived “disconnect with Territorians”.

Ms Purick’s resignation was the latest public blow for the Giles government following a slew of corruption and nepotism allegations in the wake of February’s failed leadership challenge.

The government will now rely on the support of independents, including Ms Purick, to pass legislation in the lead-up to the August 2016 election.

Mr Westra van Holthe, who asserted himself as the “chief minister apparent” during the failed coup, said the loss of Ms Purick from the CLP ranks would not deter the government.

“It hasn’t slowed us down,” he told the Katherine Times.

“We’re still getting on with the job, it just makes it a little more difficult if we have to do it with a minority government.”

With several polls suggesting that Chief Minister Adam Giles would not retain his seat if an election were called early, Mr Westra van Holthe was coy when questioned about whether or not he saw himself as the next leader of the embattled party.

“I certainly hope to be returned as the elected member for Katherine,” he said.

“I certainly hope that the Country Liberal Party is still in government and that I’ll have a leading role somewhere in the government, but as for specifics, I haven’t really given it a thought.

“I think for me, there’s only one important poll, and that’s the one in August of 2016, when the people will decide who they want to govern the Northern Territory for the next four years.”

While the seat of Katherine is one of the safest in the Territory for the CLP, Mr Westra van Holthe acknowledged that there was a chance the government’s “internal disruption” would cost him votes.

“I certainly take nothing for granted ... and I would hope, pray, that the people of Katherine return me as their elect member in 2016,” he said.

Katherine Times, NT