The Northern Territory is set for a by-election in the seat of Daly after first-term opposition MP Ian Sloan quit politics due to health concerns.

August 19, 2021

The Northern Territory is set for a by-election after a first-term opposition MP announced he is quitting politics due to health issues.

Country Liberal Party MP for Daly Ian Sloan on Thursday stood down from his position in parliament.

A by-election in the Daly electoral division, which is located just south of Darwin, will be held on September 11.

Mr Sloan didn’t get to deliver his final speech in parliament after an infected US defence contractor triggered COVID-19 lockdown in Darwin.

Instead, his letter of resignation was passed to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Ngaree Ah Kit.

“I remain very passionate about the Daly region and I still intend to be present in the community,” the Irish-Australian owner of the Berry Springs Pub said in a statement.

“We are fortunate to live in the best region in the Territory and in the best country in the world.”

Mr Sloan was elected as Member for Daly at the August 2020 election.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said he had been an exceptional and humble local member.

The NT Electoral Commission said the electoral roll for the by-election would close at 5pm on Friday due to the short amount of time until the vote.

Candidates have until next Thursday to nominate but Labor has already announced Dheran Young as its contender for the seat.

Mr Young was previously an advisor to Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Selena Uibo.

“I want to make sure rural and remote communities have access to the same level of services and opportunities as Territorians living in town,” he said in a statement.

The Labor government won 14 seats in the 25-seat NT Legislative Assembly in the August 2020 general election. The CLP won eight and there are three independent members.