STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr GOSLING (Solomon) (16:07): Territory champion and Labor stalwart Jamie Gallacher has passed following a short and sudden illness, and I joined hundreds of friends and family at East Point on Saturday night to remember and celebrate our mate. Jamie went to school in Darwin and began his working life at the NT News before joining the NLC and working for a range of Labor elected representatives.

He was a true believer, and there hasn't been a Territory election since the 1970s that Jamie didn't have a good hand in. He was a brilliant thinker and strategist. He had an incredible political mind, a wicked sense of humour and an unwavering passion for creating a fairer and a more just Territory.

His commitment to fairness, equality and justice inspired countless people and left an enormous and lasting mark on Territory Labor and our broader community. Jamie was an absolutely top bloke. I was very fortunate to have 20 minutes with Jamie at Royal Darwin Hospital before he started slipping away, and I left so much better for that conversation and so thankful for our friendship.

I always did when I had a yarn with Jamie. My heartfelt condolences go to Jenny, Anton and Helena and to all those who knew and loved the big fella. He will be remembered, and his contribution to the Territory and our movement will never be forgotten.

He'll be deeply missed by family and friends. Vale, Jamie Gallacher.