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The has demonstrated on sheer performance alone that we are the best party to govern the Territory, as Territorians have emphatically endorsed in every election since self-government and before. But the task of the CLP Territory Government will be made much easier if it can work with a like-minded government in Canberra.

In Canberra, it is time for change. It is imperative for this country. It is imperative for the Territory. To maximise the benefits for the Territory, we must ensure that for the first time in many years we have a Coalition Government in Canberra, a CLP Government in the Territory and a CLP representative in the House of Representatives -- all working together. It will bring an end to HARD LABOR in the .

When Territorians cast their votes on March 2, they will be making two critical decisions.

The first is a decision about which Federal Party is more worthy to govern for the next three years. The answer is simple and clear. It must be a Coalition Government led by John Howard.

The second decision is just as important, if not more important because it will impact significantly on the Territory’s future direction.

That decision concerns the Northern Territory’s House of Representatives seat. The Northern Territory seat is unique in that it represents the whole of the Northern Territory.

Our House of Representatives Member can have a unique influence, but the influence of the current Member of the House of Representatives, , is unique in the sense that he has represented Canberra in the Northern Territory rather than the Northern Territory in Canberra. It is unique in that his priority has always been to work against the Northern Territory Government rather than with it, notwithstanding the merits of any arguments put forward by this Government.

The solution is to elect a Territory Member of the House of Representatives, Nick Dondas, who we know will always represent the Territory’s interests - a candidate who will work with the Northern Territory Government.

Mr Speaker, because there is a strong chance of a Coalition victory in the forthcoming election, we face the real prospect of having a Federal Government and a Territory Federal Representative as well as the Territory Government all working together to achieve Northern Territory’s enormous potential.

It is a great opportunity Territory voters can’t afford to miss.