March 4, 2026 • 10 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
We know the Nightcliff by election just a couple of
days to go until that by election. What do you
think are going to be the main issues that people
are going to vote on. You can send us a
message yesterday. We've got plenty of messages while we're interviewing
Suki Doris Walker for the Greens and of course the
Independent Phil Scott. We know that there are still plenty
of people that need to get out and vote, and
(00:22):
I know that plenty of you are still wondering who
you're going to vote for. So we thought it was
really important to speak to all of the candidates and
give you the opportunity to learn a little bit more
about them and what they stand for. Now joining me
in the studio this morning is the Labor candidate Ed Smell.
Good morning to you, Ed.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Good morning Katie. How are you?
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Yeah? Really good? Good to have you in this studio. Now,
why did you decide to put your hand up?
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Well, Katie, I live in Nightcliffe with my young family
and Susannah and I are raising our four boys there.
It's our home. I've also had the opportunity to represent
our community on council and I've been a civil engineer
in the public ce Servis and from my roles and
what I've delivered in the community over the last four
and a half years, a lot of people got in
(01:07):
touch and encouraged me to put my hand up and
take that advocacy and that experience of delivery to the
next level in the NT Parliament. But fundamentally I'm focused
on local issues and I think I've got a good
track record there and ultimately this is about our kids
and our future and I want them to grow up
(01:27):
being proud of Nightcliffe, proud of dal and proud of
the NT and that's what really motivates me now.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
And are you sort of answered this one already? But
you do live in the Electro, don't you correct.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
We're paying off a mortgage like so many people in
Nightcliffe for our family home in Nightcliffe on Bogan Villia Street,
and we're very proud to live there.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Now. What do you see as being the major issues
for the electrodes?
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Okay, the last few weeks, I've had hundreds of conversations
across knocking on people's doors, down at the markets, down
at pre Pole, and still the number one issue that
can come up again and again is community safety. That's
an absolute priority for me, but there's been a number
of other issues that come up. People are really concerned
about their local health services and what's happening at Royal
(02:10):
Dalen Hospital. People are concerned about cost of living. That's
also come up a lot. That's what affects them every day,
and of course what people are doing to protect and
enhance a beautiful environment. That is also a really key
issue for the Nightcliff Electra.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Yeah, definitely when it comes to health. We've had a
lot of calls into this show over the last couple
of weeks about that, and we always have a lot
of concerns when it comes to community safety as well.
It's an issue which has been raised with us, a
really big one. What would you do as the local
member to try and sort the safety concerns out in
the electro Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Sure, there's a few things that I would advocate for
if I was elected. Number one. I've been talking to
a lot of people about joint patrols with nt Police,
Larakair Nation and City of daw And staff. We've got
all of the resources. I want to look at ways
that we can bring them together and be more active
and visible in our community. I think we also need
(03:09):
to reduce the response times and support our NT police.
That is a critical part of community safety. And also
we need to look at those fundamental long term issues
as well, and this is around better healthcare, better housing,
and better education so that we can break that cycle
of crime.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
And do you think that the Saint Vinnie's relocation to
the area has had a negative impact.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
This has also been an issue that's come up regularly,
particularly with Coconut Grove residents. And I think the most
visible part of this is on Decord Drive. People see
people who are accessing the services or clients when they're
crossing the road, when they're accessing the bus services to
arrive and depart from that site. That is a real
(03:56):
issue and a real concern to people in community. It's
a major road safety issue. Decore drives a major road
at sixty kilometers an hour and that's really dangerous and
a lot of people have had concerns raised about that.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
Yeah, and I know that it is something that you know,
we've heard. They're probably going to be there, I think
for the next couple of years, longer term moving somewhere else.
I mean, do they need to be in an area
that's maybe not so busy.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Absolutely, Katie, And if elected, I'll work with Lori Zeo
as a member for Fanny Bay. I've worked with her
on counsel. I know she's working hard to find a
permanent solution. I'll also be working on that too. The
key thing that we need for this service, it's an
incredibly important service to vulnerable people in our community. We
absolutely need it. But it has to be in the
(04:41):
right spot, and that needs to be around other health services.
It needs to have that public transport access. It needs
to be somewhere that's safe, that provides privacy and dignity
for the people accessing the service. And right now, the
site on Coconut Grove, with that temporary site, with the
demand bullshowers and facilities, that's not appropriate. It's not delivering
(05:03):
the best care and it's not in the right location.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
A message has just come through from Sam who lives
in Coconut Grove. Now, Sam said, my question for is
for ED. I saw somewhere that Labor voted against CLP
crime bills. If you win, will you be voting against
strengthening strengthening the coverage of crime?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Oh? Look, absolutely, people who do the wrong thing need
to face the consequences, Katie, but we also need a
lot of other supports. We can't arrest our way out
of the situation. Senior police have said that, the experts
have said that. So absolutely we need tough consequences for
people who do the wrong thing. But we also and
one of my biggest concerns with the current government is
(05:44):
that they're dropping the ball on those rehabilitation services and
those other long term solutions that we need. We need both,
it's not just one or the other.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Ed. We saw the Greens candidate involved in the protest
at the swearing in of the administrator. We spoke to
her about this yesterday. Do you think that was appropriate?
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Look, I think candidates and elective members should always be
representing the views and the concerns of their constituents. This
is an issue that has come up regularly when I've
been talking with people in Nightcliffe. People have a lot
of concerns about the process that was undertaken to a
point the administrator. If I'm elected, i will also raise
the concerns and views of my community, but I'll also
(06:23):
be really focused on the local issues that are important
to people. It's about their schools, their hospitals their roads.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Now the former Chief Minister Natasha Philes. She faced a
fair bit of opposition within the electorate when the Labor
government was deciding whether to allow fracking. Do you support
gas development as well as furthering Middle arm.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Look, I'm really focused on the renewable energy transition. That's
what I want to get to. We have abundant sun
up here in the NT. We're very lucky. We should
be harnessing that to provide lower power bills for everyone
in the community. That'll be my focus. But there's the
practical aspects of this as well. Katie. We can't turn
(07:03):
the gas off tomorrow. We need gas for the transition.
So my view is that we absolutely need that gas
to transition to the renewable energy future that we can
all celebrate and enjoy. But until that time, we will
need gas. So we need that industry, we need those
workers who are involved in it. But if we don't
need it, we should leave the gas in the ground ed.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Why should people vote for you.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Katie, I've got a track record of delivering in our community.
On council. I've delivered upgrades that include new children's crossing
at Nightcliff Primary I've delivered additional lighting on the foreshore
that supports people running and exercising in the morning in
the evening. I've worked with the Nightcliff Tigers footy Club
and the federal government to help secure funding for one
(07:47):
and a half million dollars for particularly supporting women's and girls'
sport there. So I've got that track record. Also as
a civil engineer, I've worked in the private sector and
I've worked in the public service. I understand how things work,
work and how to get things done and also sometimes
how they don't work. And I'll bring that experience, that
life experience, my professional experience, also as a father and
(08:10):
as a member of the community. And I've also got
a range of things that I'll be ready to hit
the ground running on to advocate for Nightcliff. Jetty is
rusting into the ocean. I want to work with the
CLP government to get funding for that. I want to
replant a lot of the trees that were lost during
Cyclone Feena. I want to advocate for a community battery
for Nightcliff that will reduce power bills in our community,
(08:33):
and I'll absolutely be taking it up to the COLP
government around the maternity services.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Care, couple of quick ones or jeez, every time we
have a candidate on the listeners are loving it at
the moment, Peter and Nightcliff, How can Labor make any
difference for Nightcliff when you're not in government? Questions Peter
and Nightcliffe.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Yeah, Look, as I mentioned and was my approach on Council,
I'll work with everyone. I'll work with the current government,
I'll work with the Crossbench to deliver outcomes for my unity.
I'm also as a member of the Labor Party and
standing as a Labor candidate, I'll join a Labor team
and I hope to make that even stronger and be
a strong voice. So as part of that team, we
(09:10):
can get things done.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
A couple of people are messaged in about council and
they're having to then if you win, there be a
by election and the cost of that. What do you
say to those listeners?
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Yeah, look, I don't want to preempt any outcomes of
the election, but if there was a vacancy on Council,
that's ultimately a decision for those elective members. There are
a range of options. As you may remember in twenty
twenty four when there was a vacancy on council. The
council did an expression of interest process. Also, there's opportunities
(09:42):
for postal rather than in person. I'm very, very aware
of the cost of living issues and making every dollar
go as far as possible, But ultimately that'll be a
decision for counsel.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Very quick one. Obviously, some in the community were really
disappointed when Natasha Files was no longer the local member.
They were also very disappointed to lose Julie the electoral officer.
Are you going to bring Julie back? Go on?
Speaker 2 (10:08):
It's a very good, good question. Katie. Julie is absolutely
everywhere she goes in the community, she's recognized and she
helped out hundreds of constituents across the Nightcliff electorate. Again,
I don't want to preempt anything, but Julie has been
a fantastic support and I'm sure she'll rick people.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Miss her cupcakes and Natasha used to organize as well.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Absolutely the cupcakes and the pizza. I think Natasha showed
an excellent example of how to be that strong local member.
She was always there when she needed and certainly I've
adopted a lot of those aspects on council to be
available to advocate for people. It's really important.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Well and Smell really appreciate your time this morning, the
labor candidate for the Nightcliff by election. Thank you, Thanks Katie,
Thanks so much.
We know the Nightcliff by election just a couple of
days to go until that by election. What do you
think are going to be the main issues that people
are going to vote on. You can send us a
message yesterday. We've got plenty of messages while we're interviewing
Suki Doris Walker for the Greens and of course the
Independent Phil Scott. We know that there are still plenty
of people that need to get out and vote, and
(00:22):
I know that plenty of you are still wondering who
you're going to vote for. So we thought it was
really important to speak to all of the candidates and
give you the opportunity to learn a little bit more
about them and what they stand for. Now joining me
in the studio this morning is the Labor candidate Ed Smell.
Good morning to you, Ed.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Good morning Katie. How are you?
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Yeah? Really good? Good to have you in this studio. Now,
why did you decide to put your hand up?
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Well, Katie, I live in Nightcliffe with my young family
and Susannah and I are raising our four boys there.
It's our home. I've also had the opportunity to represent
our community on council and I've been a civil engineer
in the public ce Servis and from my roles and
what I've delivered in the community over the last four
and a half years, a lot of people got in
(01:07):
touch and encouraged me to put my hand up and
take that advocacy and that experience of delivery to the
next level in the NT Parliament. But fundamentally I'm focused
on local issues and I think I've got a good
track record there and ultimately this is about our kids
and our future and I want them to grow up
(01:27):
being proud of Nightcliffe, proud of dal and proud of
the NT and that's what really motivates me now.
Speaker 1 (01:32):
And are you sort of answered this one already? But
you do live in the Electro, don't you correct.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
We're paying off a mortgage like so many people in
Nightcliffe for our family home in Nightcliffe on Bogan Villia Street,
and we're very proud to live there.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Now. What do you see as being the major issues
for the electrodes?
Speaker 2 (01:49):
Okay, the last few weeks, I've had hundreds of conversations
across knocking on people's doors, down at the markets, down
at pre Pole, and still the number one issue that
can come up again and again is community safety. That's
an absolute priority for me, but there's been a number
of other issues that come up. People are really concerned
about their local health services and what's happening at Royal
(02:10):
Dalen Hospital. People are concerned about cost of living. That's
also come up a lot. That's what affects them every day,
and of course what people are doing to protect and
enhance a beautiful environment. That is also a really key
issue for the Nightcliff Electra.
Speaker 1 (02:27):
Yeah, definitely when it comes to health. We've had a
lot of calls into this show over the last couple
of weeks about that, and we always have a lot
of concerns when it comes to community safety as well.
It's an issue which has been raised with us, a
really big one. What would you do as the local
member to try and sort the safety concerns out in
the electro Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:46):
Sure, there's a few things that I would advocate for
if I was elected. Number one. I've been talking to
a lot of people about joint patrols with nt Police,
Larakair Nation and City of daw And staff. We've got
all of the resources. I want to look at ways
that we can bring them together and be more active
and visible in our community. I think we also need
(03:09):
to reduce the response times and support our NT police.
That is a critical part of community safety. And also
we need to look at those fundamental long term issues
as well, and this is around better healthcare, better housing,
and better education so that we can break that cycle
of crime.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
And do you think that the Saint Vinnie's relocation to
the area has had a negative impact.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
This has also been an issue that's come up regularly,
particularly with Coconut Grove residents. And I think the most
visible part of this is on Decord Drive. People see
people who are accessing the services or clients when they're
crossing the road, when they're accessing the bus services to
arrive and depart from that site. That is a real
(03:56):
issue and a real concern to people in community. It's
a major road safety issue. Decore drives a major road
at sixty kilometers an hour and that's really dangerous and
a lot of people have had concerns raised about that.
Speaker 1 (04:09):
Yeah, and I know that it is something that you know,
we've heard. They're probably going to be there, I think
for the next couple of years, longer term moving somewhere else.
I mean, do they need to be in an area
that's maybe not so busy.
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Absolutely, Katie, And if elected, I'll work with Lori Zeo
as a member for Fanny Bay. I've worked with her
on counsel. I know she's working hard to find a
permanent solution. I'll also be working on that too. The
key thing that we need for this service, it's an
incredibly important service to vulnerable people in our community. We
absolutely need it. But it has to be in the
(04:41):
right spot, and that needs to be around other health services.
It needs to have that public transport access. It needs
to be somewhere that's safe, that provides privacy and dignity
for the people accessing the service. And right now, the
site on Coconut Grove, with that temporary site, with the
demand bullshowers and facilities, that's not appropriate. It's not delivering
(05:03):
the best care and it's not in the right location.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
A message has just come through from Sam who lives
in Coconut Grove. Now, Sam said, my question for is
for ED. I saw somewhere that Labor voted against CLP
crime bills. If you win, will you be voting against
strengthening strengthening the coverage of crime?
Speaker 2 (05:23):
Oh? Look, absolutely, people who do the wrong thing need
to face the consequences, Katie, but we also need a
lot of other supports. We can't arrest our way out
of the situation. Senior police have said that, the experts
have said that. So absolutely we need tough consequences for
people who do the wrong thing. But we also and
one of my biggest concerns with the current government is
(05:44):
that they're dropping the ball on those rehabilitation services and
those other long term solutions that we need. We need both,
it's not just one or the other.
Speaker 1 (05:53):
Ed. We saw the Greens candidate involved in the protest
at the swearing in of the administrator. We spoke to
her about this yesterday. Do you think that was appropriate?
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Look, I think candidates and elective members should always be
representing the views and the concerns of their constituents. This
is an issue that has come up regularly when I've
been talking with people in Nightcliffe. People have a lot
of concerns about the process that was undertaken to a
point the administrator. If I'm elected, i will also raise
the concerns and views of my community, but I'll also
(06:23):
be really focused on the local issues that are important
to people. It's about their schools, their hospitals their roads.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Now the former Chief Minister Natasha Philes. She faced a
fair bit of opposition within the electorate when the Labor
government was deciding whether to allow fracking. Do you support
gas development as well as furthering Middle arm.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
Look, I'm really focused on the renewable energy transition. That's
what I want to get to. We have abundant sun
up here in the NT. We're very lucky. We should
be harnessing that to provide lower power bills for everyone
in the community. That'll be my focus. But there's the
practical aspects of this as well. Katie. We can't turn
(07:03):
the gas off tomorrow. We need gas for the transition.
So my view is that we absolutely need that gas
to transition to the renewable energy future that we can
all celebrate and enjoy. But until that time, we will
need gas. So we need that industry, we need those
workers who are involved in it. But if we don't
need it, we should leave the gas in the ground ed.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
Why should people vote for you.
Speaker 2 (07:27):
Katie, I've got a track record of delivering in our community.
On council. I've delivered upgrades that include new children's crossing
at Nightcliff Primary I've delivered additional lighting on the foreshore
that supports people running and exercising in the morning in
the evening. I've worked with the Nightcliff Tigers footy Club
and the federal government to help secure funding for one
(07:47):
and a half million dollars for particularly supporting women's and girls'
sport there. So I've got that track record. Also as
a civil engineer, I've worked in the private sector and
I've worked in the public service. I understand how things work,
work and how to get things done and also sometimes
how they don't work. And I'll bring that experience, that
life experience, my professional experience, also as a father and
(08:10):
as a member of the community. And I've also got
a range of things that I'll be ready to hit
the ground running on to advocate for Nightcliff. Jetty is
rusting into the ocean. I want to work with the
CLP government to get funding for that. I want to
replant a lot of the trees that were lost during
Cyclone Feena. I want to advocate for a community battery
for Nightcliff that will reduce power bills in our community,
(08:33):
and I'll absolutely be taking it up to the COLP
government around the maternity services.
Speaker 1 (08:37):
Care, couple of quick ones or jeez, every time we
have a candidate on the listeners are loving it at
the moment, Peter and Nightcliff, How can Labor make any
difference for Nightcliff when you're not in government? Questions Peter
and Nightcliffe.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Yeah, Look, as I mentioned and was my approach on Council,
I'll work with everyone. I'll work with the current government,
I'll work with the Crossbench to deliver outcomes for my unity.
I'm also as a member of the Labor Party and
standing as a Labor candidate, I'll join a Labor team
and I hope to make that even stronger and be
a strong voice. So as part of that team, we
(09:10):
can get things done.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
A couple of people are messaged in about council and
they're having to then if you win, there be a
by election and the cost of that. What do you
say to those listeners?
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Yeah, look, I don't want to preempt any outcomes of
the election, but if there was a vacancy on Council,
that's ultimately a decision for those elective members. There are
a range of options. As you may remember in twenty
twenty four when there was a vacancy on council. The
council did an expression of interest process. Also, there's opportunities
(09:42):
for postal rather than in person. I'm very, very aware
of the cost of living issues and making every dollar
go as far as possible, But ultimately that'll be a
decision for counsel.
Speaker 1 (09:53):
Very quick one. Obviously, some in the community were really
disappointed when Natasha Files was no longer the local member.
They were also very disappointed to lose Julie the electoral officer.
Are you going to bring Julie back? Go on?
Speaker 2 (10:08):
It's a very good, good question. Katie. Julie is absolutely
everywhere she goes in the community, she's recognized and she
helped out hundreds of constituents across the Nightcliff electorate. Again,
I don't want to preempt anything, but Julie has been
a fantastic support and I'm sure she'll rick people.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
Miss her cupcakes and Natasha used to organize as well.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
Absolutely the cupcakes and the pizza. I think Natasha showed
an excellent example of how to be that strong local member.
She was always there when she needed and certainly I've
adopted a lot of those aspects on council to be
available to advocate for people. It's really important.
Speaker 1 (10:46):
Well and Smell really appreciate your time this morning, the
labor candidate for the Nightcliff by election. Thank you, Thanks Katie,
Thanks so much.
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