NT: NT govt may not be known for a week

AAP General News (Australia)
08-19-2001
NT: NT govt may not be known for a week

Labor Leader CLARE MARTIN expects to wait a week before knowing if she will have enough
seats to form the Northern Territory's first Labor government.

She says a Labor government or a Labor minority government supported by a single independent
appears to be the only possible outcomes from the shock weekend election.

But Ms MARTIN says she will wait until postal votes are counted in the Darwin seat
of Millner before dealing with the two independents.

Both independents, former CLP minister LORAINE BRAHAM and Litchfield mayor PETER WOOD,
are open to the prospect of forming a government with Labor.

Ms BRAHAM has told ABC radio if either party is prepared to meet her conditions, she
will vote for that party.

But Mr WOOD, whom Mr MARTIN has described as a respected friend, appears to be Labor's
best option.

Meanwhile, Northern Territory Chief Minister DENIS BURKE has not ruled out also forming
a minority government with both independents if his Country Liberal Party can win Millner.

AAP RTV rmg/wz

KEYWORD: POLLNT (DARWIN)

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