Katherine hairdresser Jo Hersey was today unveiled as the CLP's candidate to contest next year's NT election.
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Ms Hersey said she intended to campaign strongly on the issue of law and order in Katherine.
"As a small business owner myself, I know people in town are sick to death of getting broken into all the time," she said.
Ms Hersey was unveiled before the media as the CLP's candidate outside Parliament House in Darwin, and not in Katherine.
CLP leaders at the announcement said they expected Ms Hersey to reverse the result of 2016 when Labor's candidate Sandra Nelson surprised by winning by a handful of votes.
Ms Nelson has already indicated she is not standing again, and Labor is yet to announce its candidate for the August poll.
Ms Hersey said she had been a resident of Katherine for 33 years and a small business owner for 22 of those years.
She said she had raised three children in the town and wanted to see Katherine "do better".
Ms Hersey refused to be drawn into commenting on Ms Nelson's three years as the town's MLA although CLP president Ron Kelly was not so shy.
"Most people don't even know who she is," Mr Kelly said, claiming Ms Nelson had made no impact on the government.
Ms Hersey said she was passionate about "making sure Katherine advances".
CLP parliamentary leader Gary Higgins said Ms Hersey was part of the fresh look the CLP was determined to take to the next election.
After securing an overwhelming majority at the 2016 poll when voters clearly showed their anger with the CLP's Adam Giles and also the Katherine incumbent Willem Westra van Holthe.
Mr Kelly said he would not comment on whether Mr Westra van Holthe had been interested in re-contesting the seat although it is known a staffer with Senator Sam McMahon, Melanie Usher, had contested pre-selection.
Mr Kelly said Katherine had been completely left behind by this Government and a local member whose priority was "clearly not Katherine".
"We were looking for someone who was not only passionate about the Territory, but also active in their town and electorate, and Mrs Hersey was that person."
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