Ian Tuxworth
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Ian Tuxworth | |
|---|---|
 Tuxworth in 1978 | |
| 2nd Chief Minister of the Northern Territory | |
| In office 17 October 1984 – 10 May 1986 | |
| Deputy | Nick Dondas |
| Preceded by | Paul Everingham |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Hatton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ian Lindsay Tuxworth 18 June 1942 Wollongong, New South Wales |
| Died | 21 January 2020 (aged 77) Perth, Western Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Political party | NT Nationals |
| Other political affiliations | Country Liberal Party |
| Cabinet | Tuxworth Ministry |
Ian Lindsay Tuxworth (18 June 1942 – 21 January 2020) was an Australian politician, who was Chief Minister of the Northern Territory of Australia from 17 October 1984 until his resignation on 10 May 1986.[1]
Early life
[edit]Tuxworth was born on 18 June 1942 in Wollongong, New South Wales, to Lindsay and historian Hilda Elsie Tuxworth, and moved with his family to Tennant Creek in 1951.[2] He was educated at Tennant Creek Primary School, and Rostrevor College in Adelaide.
Before entering politics, Tuxworth, known affectionately as "Slim", started a soft drink factory in Tennant Creek, called Crystal Waters, with his father and brother Robert (Bob), which was later sold to Coca-Cola Amatil. Tuxworth also played baseball and was a member of the 1975 North Australian Kiewaldt team.[3]
Member of the Legislative Assembly
[edit]| Years | Term | Electoral division | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1974–1977 | 1st | Barkly | Country Liberal | |
| 1977–1980 | 2nd | Barkly | Country Liberal | |
| 1980–1983 | 3rd | Barkly | Country Liberal | |
| 1983–1986 | 4th | Barkly | Country Liberal | |
| 1986–1987 | Changed allegiance to: | Nationals | ||
| 1987–1987 | 5th | Barkly | Nationals | |
| 1987–1990 | 5th | Barkly | Nationals | |
Tuxworth was elected as the Country Liberal Party (CLP) member for the electoral division of Barkly (which included Tennant Creek), in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly at its inaugural election in 1974. As the representative for Barkly, Tuxworth was instrumental in facilitating the government support for the construction of the Mary Ann Dam, north of the town of Tennant Creek.[4]
Following the resignation of Paul Everingham, Tuxworth was elected Chief Minister on 17 October 1984. In 1985, he opposed the federal government's transfer of the ownership of Uluru to its traditional owners, the Aṉangu people and boycotted the hand-over ceremony. However, 30 years later, he acknowledged the hand-back had been a success.[5] He resigned as Chief Minister and from the CLP on 10 May 1986 to form the NT Nationals party[1]
At the 1987 election Tuxworth was elected as the NT Nationals member for Barkly by 19 votes. His victory was annulled by the Court of Disputed Returns after a successful challenge from losing independent candidate Maggie Hickey. On 5 September 1987, he won a by-election, again defeating Hickey, who was then representing the Labor Party (ALP).[6] After a redistribution turned Barkly into a nominally Labor-held seat, Tuxworth stood unsuccessfully for the seat of Goyder at the 1990 election.[7]
Tuxworth became the first CLP leader not to lead the party to an election. Until Natasha Fyles' resignation in 2023, Tuxworth was the only Chief Minister who never faced an election.
After politics
[edit]Following his defeat, Tuxworth moved to Perth, Western Australia, where he died on 21 January 2020, aged 77. He was survived by his wife Ruth, children Sonia, Guy and Gemma, and eight grandchildren.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Premiers Past". ABC Radio National. 17 January 2007. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
- ^ "New NT Chief Minister denies wowser image – The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 – 1995) – 18 Oct 1984". Canberra Times. 18 October 1984. Retrieved 27 August 2016 – via Trove.
- ^ "Tennant Creek Baseball - 1970s". Archived from the original on 9 February 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
- ^ Gosling, Luke. "Statements by Members: Tuxworth, Hon. Ian". Open Australia. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ^ Dunlevie, James; Ellen, Rosa (26 October 2015). "Opponent of Uluru handback changes tune 30 years on". ABC News.
- ^ Antony Green (14 August 2008). "Barkly". 2008 Northern Territory Election. ABC News. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
- ^ Nelson, Alex (6 April 2005). "What Future for Braitling After the Next Election?". Alice Springs News. Retrieved 23 January 2010.
- ^ Vivian, Steve; Heaney, Chelsea (22 January 2020). "Ian Tuxworth, the Northern Territory's second chief minister, dies aged 77". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
