A serving member of the Northern Territory government has died suddenly, at the age of 52.
The member for Arafura, a proud Tiwi Islands man whose name and image are not being used for cultural reasons, died on Saturday.
His death was announced by Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles this afternoon.
She described the loss of the Labor backbencher as a "great sadness", and paid tribute to his time in office.
"As the member for Arafura, he served the communities of the Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and West Arnhem for more than six years: however, his was a lifetime of service, striving to better people's lives in roles across local government, ATSIC and the health sector," she said.
"His efforts throughout his working life impacted many people's lives for the better, delivering better services, jobs, homes and health outcomes.
"His passing is a huge loss for his family, friends and the Northern Territory. I and his parliamentary colleagues are only a few of many, many people around the Territory and the country who will be deeply saddened by his loss."
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
'Dear friend and colleague' remembered
Tributes have been flowing across the NT political divide, with his parliamentary colleagues describing the MLA as generous, loyal and dedicated.
Environment Minister and Casuarina MLA Lauren Moss said she was "absolutely shocked and devastated" at the loss of a "dear friend and colleague".
"Kind, funny, and such a beautiful part of our caucus family. I'll miss you deeply — we all will," she said.
"He was so dedicated to and so proud of his family. He loved his community and was focused on delivering for the people of Arafura.
"You have made an impact on the lives of so many."
Karama MLA Ngaree Ah Kit said the Territory Labor party had lost "one of our own".
"A big man with an even bigger heart," she said.
"A man who was fiercely loyal and who fought hard to improve the lives of all those he knew."
And Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said she was "deeply saddened" by the news.
"First elected to parliament in 2016, he served in many leadership roles in local government and health for decades," she said.
"I have contacted Natasha Fyles and offered my condolences to the Labor team, who mourn the loss of a valued colleague."
As the Member for Arafura, the NT MLA, who lived on Pitjarmirra in Melville Island, served communities across the Tiwi Islands, Kakadu and West Arnhem for more than six years.
He was a member of the Labor caucus and served on the backbench.
He was first elected to the seat in Labor's landslide victory at the 2016 NT election, where he won the seat from the Country Liberal Party (CLP) on a 4.7 per cent margin.
He was re-elected in 2020.
It is at least the second time a current or former member for Arafura has died suddenly.
On Christmas Day 2010, Maurice Rioli – who held the seat from 1992 to 2001 – died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 53.
