Nathan Land, a leading figure in Darwin’s IT community, has become the new elected president of the Country Liberal Party (CLP). He’s a committed public servant. He only officially assumed this role at the party’s annual conference in Alice Springs. His enthusiastic confirmation by the members present bodes very well for his leadership. Land’s term is only for the one year remaining on Natasha Griggs’ term, who had nominated him to be her replacement.
Land’s election comes at a pivotal time for the CLP, which faced significant challenges following its disappointing performance in last year’s Northern Territory election. He acknowledged the difficulties the party encountered, stating, “There’s no doubt about it, that was a big loss.” His leadership now needs to fight to revitalize that party and seek to answer the concerns that voters have made clear they noticed and are unhappy with.
A Background in Governance and Community Engagement
Beyond Nathan’s professional IT work, he is known for speaking on the importance of inclusion and equity. He has some very strong local credentials. His father Noel Land was an unsuccessful former City of Darwin councillor and long-time supporter of the CLP. This deeply ingrained familial connection to local politics may give Land a rare insiders’ guided tour to a successful governance and cultivation of community needs.
Land has built a reputation as a hotshot musician. He has been the vice-president of the Darwin Game Fishing Club for the last 6 years. His myriad other interests and experiences combined lead him to claim that he has “deep and strong experience in governance.” He expressed a commitment to the CLP’s future, emphasizing his dedication to “continuous improvement” within the party.
His love for the Northern Territory shines through. “I love fishing, I love the territory’s outdoor lifestyle, and I want my kids to enjoy everything that is special about growing up Territorian, just like I did,” Land remarked, highlighting his personal connection to the region.
Addressing Party Challenges and Future Goals
Land’s ascendance could not have come at a more crucial moment as the CLP faces its most difficult storm yet. The party’s recent electoral defeat has led many within the party to call for a moment of self-reflection and reinvention. In his keynote address at the conference, Land expressed his enthusiasm for growth and change Land’s calling for within the party.
As he noted, “the CLP was dealt a huge blow” in last year’s election. Today, he’s focused on helping to rebuild fiscal conservatism’s lost trust and helping to re-engage deeply disenchanted voters. His election also marks the third presidential change in the party in a short three years. Underneath it all, this carefully planned shift signals a time of transition and rebooting, renewal, revival perhaps.
In addition to addressing internal party dynamics, Land’s leadership will likely focus on broader community engagement. He is focused on establishing deeper relationships with their constituents, balancing priorities that matter to all Territorians regardless of age, language, nationality, or gender.
Support from Outgoing Leadership
Outgoing party president Natasha Griggs, who Land replaces at the top of the party, said she was confident Land could take the party in a positive direction. “While my health has been a challenge this year, I’m now well on the road to recovery and feel this is the right time to step back a little,” she stated. Griggs’ endorsement of Land reflects her strong faith in Land’s vision for the CLP’s future.
New Opposition Leader Selena Ubio, who has replaced just resigned Bligh in their leadership, understood the historic significance of Land’s election. She shared her delight at working with him during this evolutionary period. “I never dreamed that I’d be working alongside,” she stated, indicating a willingness to collaborate across party lines as they navigate their respective leadership roles.
