The independent Member for Mulka, Yiŋiya Guyula, has announced he is leaving Parliament effective today, saying the Finocchiaro Government has introduced too many laws that are dehumanising, oppressive and destroying Indigenous communities, and that he can no longer sit in Parliament opposite a government unwilling to listen or form partnerships.
Mr Guyula has held the remote seat, based in Nhulunbuy, since 2016, when he defeated Labor’s Lynne Walker by eight votes, and has won the seat three times. He first ran on a platform calling for a treaty between the federal government and Indigenous Australians, for self-determination and recognition of Yolŋu law in partnership with the Westminster system.
What a sensational Independent member for Mulka Yingyia Guyula has been.
He represented his electorate extremely well. Such a shame that the two major parties chose to sideline his on so many issues. The tyranny and arrogance of party political machines.
Fortunately, we have Hansard as an indelible record of his measured and comprehensive contributions he made to the NT parliament and his constituents.
So many thanks for your wisdom, integrity, compassion and service, Mr Guyula. You will be sorely missed.
Nobody will bat a eyelid.
I naively approached him years ago and was shocked he didn’t represent non indigenous outside his electoral boundary, now I am hearing people complaining he didnt represent non indigenous inside his electoral boundary.
Whatever the case mat be, my humble opinion is he didnt shift the dial a inch. for whoever he represented.
There have been a few indigenous people quit their roles in protest to the CLP policies. These people had some form of influence or political standing where they could attempt to effect change, quitting does not help their cause.
Yes, he did…and will continue to influence the impact of NT politics for decades to come.