City of Darwin Council Election Candidates Forum
All Welcome.
Thursday 14th August 2025 5pm Bagot Park
Hosted by PLan: the Planning Action Network Inc
What are your top 5 questions? Take the survey here: https://actionnetwork.org/surveys/city-of-darwin-council-election-candidates-forum-5-questions/
How NT Local Government Elections Work
(A Voter’s Guide)
The Northern Territory has 5 municipal councils, 10 regional councils, and 3 shire councils. In most municipal councils like Darwin and Litchfield the mayor (or Lord Mayor) is directly elected by the public. In regional and shire councils, the principal member may be chosen by councillors after the election. The mayor chairs council meetings, provides civic leadership, and represents the community in dealings with other levels of government.
Councillors are elected to represent either wards, specific geographic divisions within a council, or the entire local government area if the council is undivided. The City of Darwin is divided into four wards: Chan, Lyons, Richardson, and Waters.
Voting is conducted using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. Voters rank candidates in order of preference. If your first choice has more votes than needed to win or is eliminated, your vote transfers to your next preference. This ensures a greater proportion of voters see their preferences reflected in the final result.
Voting in NT local government elections is compulsory for all eligible residents. The next general elections will be held on Saturday 23 August 2025, run by the Northern Territory Electoral Commission (NTEC). After each election, a representation review may be conducted to ensure ward boundaries and councillor numbers fairly reflect population changes.
See details here: https://ntec.nt.gov.au/elections/current-elections/2025-local-government-elections
Speakers List
Julie Fraser is standing in Chan Ward and is not an incumbent. Julie is also standing for Lord Mayor.
Nick O’Loughlin is standing in Lyons.
Edwin Joseph is standing in Richardson Ward and is not an Incumbent. Edwin Joseph is also standing for Lord Mayor.
Otto Kainulainen is standing in Waters Ward.
Ed Smelt is standing in Chan Ward and is an incumbent.
Vicki Bonson is standing in Lyons Ward. Vicky Bonson is also standing for Lord Mayor.
Leah Potter is standing for Lord Mayor.
Amye Un is standing in the Lyons Ward and is an incumbent. Amye Un is also standing for Lord Mayor.
Andrew Arthur is standing in the Richardson Ward. Andrew Arthur is also standing for Lord Mayor.
Yulita Villanueva is standing for Richardson Ward.
Scarlet D’Arc is standing for Lyons Ward. Scarlet D’Arcs is also standing for Lord Mayor.
Shani Carson is running in the Richardson Ward.
Authorised by PLan: the Planning Action Network Inc Darwin NT Nicholas Kirlew Convener
Top 5 Questions, 75 people responded to the survey which offered 19 questions
- Will you oppose any proposals to privatise public assets, including parks, community land, or civic sites?
- Do you commit to protecting and expanding green spaces like parks, playgrounds, and shaded areas across Darwin?
- Will you ensure permanent public access to the Esplanade and waterfront, preventing overdevelopment that erodes heritage and open space?
- Will you support genuine, early community engagement before decisions on major projects, rather than token consultation?
- Do you commit to transparency through open council meetings, published minutes, and opportunities for public questions?