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Three of the Northern Territory's Indigenous backbenchers have resigned from the Country Liberals.

The move could push the Territory Government into a minority position.

Rebel MLAs Alison Anderson, Larisa Lee and Francis Xavier Kurrupuwuy had been negotiating with Chief Minister Adam Giles for the reinstatement of an Aboriginal Affairs department, with Ms Anderson as the minister.

Ms Lee also wanted a ministry.

The ABC understands that their demands included the dumping of Matt Conlan and Indigenous MLA Bess Price from the cabinet.

Since negotiations broke down last week, the Government has accused the bush members of greed and making unreasonable demands.

The rebel MLAs subsequently accused the Government of racism.

The ABC understands the three backbenchers will move to the cross benches as independents until they can form a new regional Territory party.

If the Government doesn't win the Blain by-election next week, it will be forced to ask Independent MLA Gerry Wood to keep it in power.

Mr Giles says Ms Anderson should now get out of the way and let the Country Liberals get on with governing.

Originally posted here:

NT Government faces threat as rebel backbenchers resign from Country Liberals

Finance Minister Diana Whalen said earlier this week that the provincial budget would contain few surprises and she lived up to that promise Thursday.

Whalen introduced a $9.9-billion budget with a $279-million deficit. The document contains a collection of announcements from the Liberals election campaign platform, as well as some new initiatives, with about $80 million in new spending. Department spending increased overall by 5.4 per cent, or $455 million.

The net debt is estimated to be $14.6 billion as of March 31. Its projected to top $15 billion in the next fiscal year.

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The numbers say what Nova Scotians already know: the status quo isnt working, Whalen said. The hard truth is that we have significant challenges and a steep hill to climb.

Much of the department spending resulted from increased service pressures as well as negotiated wage increases, said Whalen. The minister said there would need to be a new approach to wage agreements, which cost about $50 million per percentage increase.

We just cant afford those kind of pressures, she said. We all need to work together to recognize we have a problem and together we can fix it. When things improve, we can offer bigger increases.

The Liberals are hanging a lot of importance on a review of taxes, regulations and fees that wont be complete until autumn. As such, Whalen said more significant changes would come in future budgets.

As for whats in this one, the majority of new spending focuses on education and health.

The Liberals will spend $32.6 million on home-care support, $10.6 million on doctor recruiting and training with a focus on rural areas, and $1.9 million for improved access to oncology and other drugs.

Originally posted here:

Liberals stick to playbook with first $9.9-billion budget

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