The NT Independent is providing you with a light-hearted look at the candidates for the August 22 NT general election. We’re not looking at policy or platforms at this time, but rather at the person behind them.

Our Q&A should help you get to know the humans of NT politics.

Today’s profile is Territory Alliance candidate for Nightcliff, Melita McKinnon.

Melita’s family moved to the NT in 1977.  They moved around with her Dad’s work and were fortunate enough to live in Melville Island, Numbulwar, Darwin and Katherine.

She went to primary school in Katherine and attended Nightcliff High School and Casuarina Secondary College in Darwin.

Melita has four sisters who she is extremely proud of.  She lost her Dad to lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis last year. She regularly fishes with her 73-year-old mother.

Melita’s son makes her proud every day.  Her granddaughter is the cheekiest thing, who she absolutely adores. She is the proud aunty to twelve nieces and nephews and eight great nieces and nephews.

Melita is a wife to a very supportive and understanding husband and she lives in Nightcliff and loves the Territory lifestyle. 

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and who did it come from?

Don’t just talk about problems, be part of the solution. That is from my old boss and mentor Professor Ross Andrews.

Tell us something interesting or quirky about yourself.

I like to talk a lot but don’t like public speaking – go figure?

How would your best mate describe you in twenty words or less?

Melita is a passionate committed Territorian. She is approachable and truly listens. She treats everyone with respect and doesn’t look down on anyone, regardless of their position or background.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could bring one movie, one album and one book, what would they be?

Movie: Snatch directed by Guy Ritchie.

Album: The Truth About Love by Pink.

Book: Any Clive Clusser novel.

If you could have dinner with any person in history, who would it be and why?

Either of my grandfathers. Both died before I was born and I would have loved to hear some of their stories and know more about my own family history.

A couple of really quick questions. You can give one-word answers if you wish.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee.

Folder or scruncher?

Both.

AFL or NRL?

Depends who’s playing.

Wet season or dry season?

Both but build-up and run-off are my favourite fishing seasons.

Coles or Woollies?

Woollies

Other candidates

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• NT election 2020 candidates – Tony Schelling
• NT election 2020 candidates – Marie-Clare Boothby
• NT election 2020 candidates – Leanne Butler
• NT election 2020 candidates – Gary Strachan
• NT election 2020 candidates – Kendall Trudgen
• NT election 2020 candidates – Andy Harley
• NT election 2020 candidates – Ngaree Ah Kit
• NT election 2020 candidates – Damien Ryan
• NT election 2020 candidates – Joshua Burgoyne
• NT election 2020 candidates – Kylie Bonanni
• NT election 2020 candidates – Gerard Maley
• NT election 2020 candidates – Jed Hansen
• NT election 2020 candidates – Danial Kelly
• NT election 2020 candidates – Billee McGinley
• NT election 2020 candidates – Matt Paterson
• NT election 2020 candidates – Beverly Ratahi
• NT election 2020 candidates – Caleb Cardno
• NT election 2020 candidates – Jo Hersey
• NT election 2020 candidates – Toby George
• NT election 2020 candidates – Gary Haslett
• NT election 2020 candidates – Dale McIver
• NT election 2020 candidates – Jerry Amato