Kate Worden has been dumped as Northern Territory police minister and replaced with fresh-faced MLA Brent Potter, just months out from an election likely to be dominated by crime issues.
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Chief Minister Natasha Fyles announced the cabinet reshuffle on Monday, affording Mr Potter the high-profile portfolio.
Mr Potter, a former political staffer and Australian army veteran, was elected in August 2022 after former chief minister Michael Gunner's shock resignation.
"I'm giving Brent a big job and I expect a lot from him," Ms Fyles said on Monday.
"I wouldn't have given him the responsibility if I didn't believe he had the skills to do it."
Mr Potter said he would focus on rising crime rates as the territory entered a summer likely to be marked by rising crime.
"Obviously crime is too high," he said.
"You just need to go knock on a door and Territorians are talking about (it)."
He said the government was "acutely aware" of the likelihood of increasing crime over the hotter months.
Last summer there were 724 more reported assaults than the year before for the same period.
Crime is set to be a major deciding factor in next year's election, following a growing crisis in Alice Springs last year, the introduction of alcohol restrictions across the territory, the alleged murder of young Darwin bottleshop worker Declan Laverty and the acquitted murder trial of former constable Rolfe.
The opposition, which has gained momentum in recent polling, has consistently called on the government to get tougher on crime and strengthen bail and weapons laws.
NT Police in August announced a new commissioner and a review into the force, attempting to draw a line in the sand after a "tumultuous" three years.
Mr Potter said he would work with Commissioner Michael Murphy on the recommendations of the review but has not committed to implementing them.
Mr Potter is joined on the front bench by incoming MLA Joel Bowden, who has taken on the infrastructure, tourism, skills, training and recreational fishing portfolios from Paul Kirby.
Mr Kirby and Environment Minister Lauren Moss have been ousted from cabinet and will return to the backbench.
Ms Worden will take over environment, domestic violence prevention and sport.
"People are disappointed, I'll be up front about that," Ms Fyles said.
"These are difficult decisions."
She said there would likely be no more changes to her government before next year's election.
Australian Associated Press
