CLP Government Maintains Cabinet Stability, Creates Nhulunbuy Transition Portfolio for 2026
Umesh Dhakal
KNA-Canberra
The Country Liberal Party (CLP) Government has confirmed that existing Cabinet Ministerial portfolios will remain unchanged in 2026, while Assistant Ministerial responsibilities have been refreshed and a new Nhulunbuy Transition portfolio has been established.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, who said continuity across Cabinet would ensure stability as the government continues its focus on reducing crime, rebuilding the economy and restoring the Northern Territory’s lifestyle.
It was stated that maintaining current Cabinet arrangements would provide certainty to the community, businesses and the public sector, particularly as momentum is described as building across the Territory in what has been framed as a year of growth, certainty and security.
Assistant Ministerial allocations have been updated across the Ministry to expand experience and contribution among government members. It has been confirmed that each Cabinet Minister will continue to be supported by an Assistant Minister to strengthen policy delivery and administrative oversight.
A new Assistant Minister for Nhulunbuy Transition has been appointed, with Member for Wanguri Oly Carlson MLA assigned to the role. The portfolio has been created to ensure ongoing oversight of the transition process in Nhulunbuy, a key regional community in north-east Arnhem Land.
Under the refreshed arrangements, Laurie Zio MLA will serve as Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and across Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Defence NT and Territory Coordinator. Matt Kerle MLA has been appointed Assistant Minister to the Deputy Chief Minister and across Agriculture and Fisheries, Mining and Energy, Corrections, Renewables and Recreational Fishing.
Andrew Mackay MLA will support the Treasurer and oversee Logistics, Infrastructure and Housing Construction, while Brian O’Gallagher MLA will assist the Attorney-General and hold responsibilities across Tourism and Hospitality, Major Events, Parks and Wildlife, Racing and Housing.
Oly Carlson MLA will also serve across Health, Mental Health, Alcohol Policy, Aboriginal Affairs, Local Government, Community Development and Essential Services, in addition to the Nhulunbuy Transition role. Clinton Howe MLA has been allocated portfolios including Lands, Planning and Environment, Corporate and Digital Development, Water Resources, Sport and Culture, Disability, Arts, Youth, Seniors, Equality, Multicultural Affairs and Veterans.
Tanzil Rahman MLA will support Education and Training, Early Education and the Public Service, while Khoda Patel MLA will take on Trade, Business and Asian Relations, International Education, Migration and Population, Workforce Development, Advanced Manufacturing, Children and Families, Child Protection and Domestic Violence Prevention.
The government has reiterated that its priorities for 2026 will remain centred on crime reduction, economic growth and ensuring stability for Territories.
Source: The entire CLP Government Ministry -media
