Fed: NT election warning - Snowdon

AAP General News (Australia)
08-20-2001
Fed: NT election warning - Snowdon

CANBERRA, Aug 20 AAP - The Northern Territory election was a warning to federal politicians
to address health, education and economic issues, a Labor MP said today.

Northern Territory MP Warren Snowdon said the surprise result in the Top End held
many messages for federal MPs.

Labor is on the verge of an historic first election victory, with the Country Liberal
Party (CLP) government likely to fall after 26 years of unbroken rule.

"I think there are a lot of issues here that can be drawn federally," Mr Snowdon said.

"I think it is very clear that political leaders of any political persuasion now have
to address the real needs of Australians wherever they might live.

"But particularly in remote and regional Australia where there are particular concerns
over issues to do with health, education, community services and community infrastructure."

Mr Snowdon said there was also no doubt the CLP's decision to put One Nation ahead
of Labor had influenced the election outcome.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the CLP's intention and then ultimate decision to
put One Nation above Labor in those seats where One Nation stood ... caused people to
turn away from the CLP in the northern suburbs of Darwin," he said.

"I think that is reflected in the results over the weekend."

AAP eg/daw/ph/br

KEYWORD: POLLNT SNOWDON

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