In what was Mr Snowdon’s eleventh election, he enjoyed a swing in Katherine of 10.27 per cent, and in Katherine East of 9.15 per cent.

Although he failed to win at the Tindal Airforce Base booth, he also claimed a 10.6 per cent swing to the ALP there.

Mr Snowdon said the trust placed in him by the people of Katherine would never be taken for granted.

He also paid tribute to his many supporters and volunteers in Katherine, and dedicated the win to his electoral officer, Jack Crosby, who passed away a month ago.

“This is very much a tribute to Jack, who would be known to many in Katherine, he was a great man,” Mr Snowdon said.

“And while we take nothing for granted, it does send a message.

“If these numbers were replicated at the territory election then Katherine would be in Labor hands, while it’s unlikely, there is real potential.

“We’ve got good Labor people in Katherine who are doing great work and we have a wonderful Territory candidate in Sandra Nelson.

”I will focus on getting good government and that requires a lot of work to be done by a whole range of people including myself, and trying to come up with ideas that impact the north of Australia generally.  

“The CLP in the territory has not been conducive to good growth across the Northern Territory and frankly, when Labor is in power, the territory does better. 

“Katherine residents said they should know that as their representative it is my obligation to work for them and they need not be hesitant in making sure their views are heard and they will be understood by me. 

“Politics in the territory is very local, people know you and they expect to talk to you.

“I think the people have woken up to two things; one is Malcolm Turnbull’s leadership style and secondly his policies which are way out of touch on things like education and health.”