Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu facts for kids

Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu (born 10 June 1961), also known as Maralampuwi Kurrupuwu, is an Australian politician. He was a member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly from 2012 to 2016. This is like a state parliament for the Northern Territory. He was first elected with the Country Liberal Party (CLP). Later, he left the party to become an independent politician. He then briefly joined the Palmer United Party (PUP) before rejoining the CLP. Since August 2021, he has been a Councillor for the Tiwi Islands Region, representing Bathurst Island.

Early Life and Community Work

Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu was born in Nguiu on Bathurst Island. This island is one of the two main Tiwi Islands. He was given the name Francis Xavier by Sister Anne Gardiner. This name honored Bishop Francis Xavier Gsell, who started a Catholic mission on the island in 1911.

Involvement with the Church and Red Cross

Kurrupuwu is a strong Catholic. He has worked with the Church for more than thirty years. He also manages the Australian Red Cross on the Tiwi Islands. The Red Cross helps people in need.

Local Government Roles

He has held many important roles in local government. He was President and Deputy Chair of the Nguiu Community Council. He was also a member of the ATSIC regional council. ATSIC was an organization that represented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. He also served as Deputy Chair of the Tiwi Land Council. This council helps manage Aboriginal land. Additionally, he was a councillor in the Tiwi Islands Shire.

Political Career

Before joining the Country Liberal Party, Kurrupuwu considered joining the Labor Party. However, he decided to switch to the Country Liberals. He felt that Labor's policies towards Aboriginal people were not helpful.

Election to the Legislative Assembly

At the 2012 general election, Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu won a seat in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly. He represented the Arafura area. He defeated Dean Rioli, who was the Labor candidate. Both men are related to Maurice Rioli, a former politician and football player.

Changes in Political Parties

In April 2014, Kurrupuwu, along with two other Indigenous politicians, Alison Anderson and Larisa Lee, left the Country Liberal Party. They decided to work as independent members. Later that same month, the three politicians joined the Palmer United Party. Alison Anderson became the leader of their group in parliament. However, in September 2014, Kurrupuwu left the Palmer United Party. He then rejoined the Country Liberal Party. He continued to serve in the Legislative Assembly until 2016.