In the aftermath of the August 2024 Territory election, the political landscape in the Northern Territory will be at a crossroads. The path ahead is fraught with challenges that demand a rare combination of humility and active listening from either the re-elected Australian Labor Party (ALP) or the Country Liberal Party (CLP), should they take power.
As we reflect on the potential consequences, it's vital to remember that power does not equate to infallibility, and the ability to listen, adapt and act is more critical than ever.
A poignant anecdote from 2005 comes to mind, illustrating the pitfalls of political hubris. The story goes, recounted by Maria Billias (an eventual Labor staffer then writing for the NT News in the wake of the 2016 election result) “the Monday morning after the 2005 election — that saw a Clare Martin-led Government secure a massive 19 seats out of the 25 seat Parliament — three Labor MLA’S were walking down the Smith Street Mall when one of them quipped “we run this town now”. None of these members are part of the Labor caucus today. And we should probably be thankful for this.”
This sense of ownership, of invulnerability, shows they had become disconnected from the very people who put them in power, ignoring the grounded realities and the voices of their constituents. This historical lesson is a stark reminder of the consequences of arrogance and the importance of remaining grounded.
Challenges for the ALP: A Struggle with Humility
For the ALP, securing re-election might be seen as an endorsement of their past eight years in power. However, this could lead to a dangerous complacency. The party might be tempted to dismiss ongoing complaints about crime, the cost of living, and the economy as mere background noise rather than issues demanding urgent attention.
It is a significant challenge for the ALP to manage the internal battle against a developed arrogance and smugness from being in power, traits that have been observed in some of its current members.
The most aggressive defenders of the government’s legacy could easily dismiss the struggles of everyday Territorians, perceiving their victory as a blanket validation of their policies and governance style. Indeed, on Katie Woolf’s 360 Program on Mix FM last week a Minister was agonisingly close to being dismissive of the debates swirling around instead choosing to blame the Opposition for “stirring them up.” It is this type of attitude which post-election makes for frightening government.
Listening to Katie Woolf interview prospective and existing politicians has highlighted a critical issue: for some, active listening and humility do not come naturally. Woolf’s interviews have revealed a stark contrast between those who genuinely engage with the concerns of their constituents and those who merely pay lip service. You can pick those who are not very good at either by the way they ignore the question, fail to acknowledge the concern and probably the most annoying talk over and at the interviewer and subsequently the voter.
Chief Miniter Eva Lawler has worked hard to present the ALP has responding to the community. But in winning post-election environment will she and the rest of her team slum p in their chairs exhausted having saved their jobs?
The ALP must work diligently to ensure their victory does not translate into an echo chamber where dissenting voices and valid criticisms are ignored.
Challenges for the CLP: From Listening to Implementation
On the other hand, the CLP’s challenge lies not in crafting an agenda but in effectively implementing it. While it’s easy to criticise the ALP’s policies, the real test will be in turning their promises into tangible actions. Winning the election could potentially diminish the humility that should accompany any victory, making it imperative for the CLP to maintain the same level of active listening that helped them connect with voters in the first place.
One of the refreshing aspects of the recent Paris Olympics was witnessing who were measured in victory, embodying humility. The CLP would do well to emulate this demeanour.
Lia Finocchiaro, the CLP leader and potentially the new Chief Minister, has demonstrated humility and active listening. However, the real question lies in the reaction of her existing parliamentary team, the “newbies” who gain election and the staff they choose to fill the fifth floor when handed the keys of power.
Their ability to maintain a balance of humility, assertiveness and action will only be tested post-election.
The giveaways of how they are coping with power will come early and it may not be in full public view but behind the closed doors of power. When someone from the political class uses the phrase “I already know that” or “I’ve done this before you know” then they are already on the slippery slope to political failure.
You can’t possibly know everything – if you did then you would be the smartest person in the room and invariably in the political world there is a collective of smart people – it is called balance.
If they are actively listening – even if they think they already know the answer – then they will respond with a genuine question to illicit more information or to demonstrate they value, the information being presented.
Regardless of the party in power, the importance of active listening cannot be overstated. A government that listens is one that can adapt, respond, and truly serve its people.
The ALP and the CLP must both recognise that their mandate is not a carte blanche and entrench fiefdoms but a responsibility to remain attuned to the evolving needs and challenges of the Territory and act on them.
Conclusion: The Balance of Power and Humility
As the dust settles post-August 24, the true test for the victorious party will be their ability to balance power with humility. Both the ALP and the CLP will face significant hurdles that will test their commitment to listening actively and responding with empathy and action.
Power can be intoxicating, especially power achieved after a long period out of office or a return to power after a long period in office. A lack of humility can lead to disconnection and eventual downfall, as history has shown us.
Ultimately, the road to effective governance lies in a simple yet profound principle: listen more, speak less and then act – even if the act is to deny the representation. Decisiveness is a by-product of listening and acting.
By embracing humility and prioritising active listening, the new government can pave the way for a more inclusive, responsive, and resilient Northern Territory.
Opinion by
Ashley Manicaros, former Business Editor of the Northern Territory News, who despite the false reporting of the NT Independent was never asked, approached or sought to be campaign manager for the CLP.
