Territory Alliance have recruited Alice Springs deputy mayor Matt Paterson to run in the NT Election in the seat of Namatjira.

With current sitting member Chansey Paech set to move and run in the seat of Stuart (soon to be renamed Gwoya), Mr Paterson will run against Pioneer women’s football coach Sheralee Taylor (Labor) and Alice Springs prison general manager Bill Yan (CLP). 

Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills said Paterson was a well-known and popular member of the Central Australian community. 

“Matt has been a star in the Alice Springs Town Council since becoming a councillor in 2017 and deputy mayor in 2018,” Mr Mills said. 

“He has proven to be the voice of common sense, vision, new ideas, courage and enthusiasm in Local Government.

“Having grown up in Alice Springs, Matt has very deep connections to the Central Australian community.”

Mr Paterson is a qualified electrician who recently worked for the NT Government’s housing department giving him an insight into the challenges of housing throughout the urban and remote areas of Central Australia.

He said he was looking forward to the opportunity.

“I know I have the capacity and determination to work effectively throughout this diverse electorate,” he said.

“I have strong relationships with people across the region, through my work, education and participation in sport over the years.

“The people of Namatjira will get strong representation from me. I am absolutely committed to putting locals first.”

Under the NT Electoral Commissions draft proposal, Namatjira will completely surround Alice Springs, to include the suburbs of Larapinta, and parts of Araluen, Sadadeen and Mount Johns.