WILD NT ELECTION TALES

In the wake of every election a major shake out takes place, post- mortems are held, old scores settled , odd stories run riot. Naturally, there is speculation about the likely new ministerial appointments and who will be given the shadow ministry responsibilities. Shock departures from the political fray are often announced . Among the most interesting scuttlebutt being put about town is that the former Chief Minister , Paul Henderson, and/or  former Treasurer, Delia Lawrie , will announce  retirement “within days.” Why ? we asked , reaching for a few grains of salt . The emphatic explanation given claimed that retiring in the top positions meant their superannuation entitlement would be much higher than staying on in Opposition in much lesser positions on lower pay. Whether fact, fiction or indication of a stressful build up period , this is not known. Nevertheless, it is an indication of the buzz about the town***Another fascinating P3 titbit is that when the CLP previously lost government and had to move from the Wedding Cake top floor there was a large amount  of choice vino in their bunker . Wonder how much  workers’ juice , saki , cognac, champers  and Scotch will have to be moved for  the ALP ? *** Speculation also concerns the future of former ALP spin doctors and a certain journalist in the media who is expected to depart the NT . *** Most fascinating is the suggestion that a special calendar is planned for the Christmas market which will focus on colourful aspects of Territory politics, a bit like those fabulous Pickering cartoons which showed many Australian politicians in all their glory .***Channel 9 is to be taught the correct pronunciation of NEW ERA...not NEW ERROR . Then again, some might  think it  was   another  Territory  technicolor  blue .