Greens MLA Kat McNamara resigns from the NT Parliament due to health issues just 18 months after becoming the first Greens member elected in the Northern Territory.
Kat McNamara, a member of the Greens party, has announced her resignation from the Northern Territory Parliament effective immediately, citing ongoing health challenges. Her departure marks a significant moment for the Greens, as she was the first member of the party elected to the NT Legislative Assembly following her historic win in the Nightcliff electorate in 2024. McNamara expressed her difficulty in making this decision, highlighting the privilege she felt in serving her community and representing the party's values in the Parliament.
Her resignation is poised to create a vacancy that will necessitate a by-election in Nightcliff, which could have implications for the Greens’ representation in the NT. McNamara’s win celebrated a breakthrough for the party in a region that has been traditionally dominated by other political entities, making her exit noteworthy within the broader context of Australian politics and the shifting landscape of party representation in various jurisdictions.
With the announcement of the by-election, attention will now turn to the Greens’ potential candidates and their strategy moving forward in what is a critical period for the party in Northern Territory politics. This situation could influence the political dynamics within the chamber and affect legislative decision-making, particularly given the relatively recent establishment of the Greens in the region, turning the spotlight on whether they can maintain their presence and support among constituents after McNamara’s departure.
