Nurse elected as NT Labor's sixth member in Mulka by-election
Yiwarr McGrath, a Yolŋu nurse who grew up in poverty, won the Mulka by-election for NT Labor.
NT Labor won the Mulka by-election in remote north-east Arnhem Land with the election of Yiwarr McGrath, a registered nurse and Yolŋu man. McGrath, 35, brings an extraordinary backstory to parliament.
Yiwarr McGrath grew up as an orphan in the electorate, not knowing when the next meal was coming. McGrath is a father of three and a former NT Young Australian of the Year.
McGrath decisively defeated sole challenger Andrew Blamey. The victory returns Mulka to NT Labor, which held the seat between 1980 and 2016 before losing it to an independent.
It brings NT Labor to six seats in parliament, with five members from remote Aboriginal areas and one from Darwin. East Arnhem Land remains one of the nation's ten most disadvantaged local government areas.
- 35
- McGrath's age
- 3
- Children
- 1980-2016
- Mulka held by Labor
- 6
- NT Labor seats after win
Why it mattersBy-election results show which way voters are turning and shape a government's path to the next election.
AustraliaNT Labor gains ground in the Territory ahead of the 2028 election, though still faces a significant CLP majority.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 11 d ago
