The NAC election in the Northern Territory 1981

Abstract

In the course of our study of the Northern Territory election in 1980 we learned that the NAC election, tentatively scheduled for late 1980, would probably be put off for some time and it then became possible for us to make arrangements to study it too, building on the experience gained and the work done in the Territory election study. The NAC Executive in Canberra gave us permission to observe it officially, subject to the agreement of the Australian Electoral Office which was to carry out the election and that too was willingly given - and with it the fullest cooperation. To all of the people involved we give our thanks. The study of any election is a team effort of necessity and the work reported here is no exception. The principal authors take responsibility for the text but they are glad to acknowledge the help of others, notably Deborah Wade-Marshall, Josi Crashaw, Sue McLean, Valda Juckums, Ron Slee, Will Sanders, Rolf Gerritsen, Jon Altman and Ian McLeod, all of whom helped gather the data on which the account is based. Others cooperated in a variety of ways, for example in providing information and advice and to them too thanks are due - especially the candidates themselves, people connected with the NAC and other Aboriginal organisations and the Aboriginal polling officials. People in the Electoral Office and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs to whom our thanks are due include Debbie Vickery, Brian Howard, Ray Hegarty, Keith Pearson, Jeremy Long, John Quelch and Kaspar Sheppers. For help in preparing the text we also thank Debbie Hill, Gillian O'Loghlin, Elaine Sommer and Gail Hewitt. Show more