A record number of 25 candidates contested the councillor election.[7] Only two incumbent council members sought re-election, with Allison Bitar running for the position of councillor and Eli Melky contesting the mayoral election.[8][9] Matt Paterson did not seek re-election after a single term as mayor.[10][11]
Background
Resignations
Three councillors resigned at separate points following the 2021 election.[12][13] Jimmy Cocking resigned in August 2022 and was replaced by Gavin Morris following a by-election.[14][15] Steve Brown resigned in March 2024 and – after the cancellation of a by-election – was replaced by Chris Daffy through appointment in November 2024.[16][17]
In August 2024, Morris was charged with physically assaulting multiple young children.[18] He resigned in March 2025, with his seat left vacant because of the close proximity of the 2025 local elections.[19][20]
Campaign
Several issues have been part of the election campaign.[21] The prospective privatisation of community parks has been opposed by the Greens and independent candidate Louis Miller.[4][22]
In addition to this election, crime in Alice Springs was a significant campaign issue at the 2024 NT election and the 2025 federal election.[23][24] The Greens have proposed the establishment of "a youth hub on weekend evenings" as a crime prevention strategy.[4][22]
The future of the Alice Springs Public Library has been discussed during the campaign.[4] Eli Melky has supported moving the library to a new location, while the Greens support increasing its opening hours.[4][22]
The Greens endorsed two candidates: Aia Newport for councillor and Asta Hill for mayor and councillor.[26] The Territory Labor Party and Country Liberal Party do not endorse candidates for local elections, although several political party members ran without party endorsement.[27][28]
Mayoral candidates
Candidates are listed in the order they appeared on the ballot.
↑ "Enrolment statistics". Northern Territory Electoral Commission. 19 August 2025. Archived from the original on 23 August 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
↑ "Results". Northern Territory Electoral Commission. 23 August 2025. Archived from the original on 23 August 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
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