Ian Tuxworth facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ian Tuxworth
Tuxworth in 1984
2nd Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
In office 17 October 1984 – 10 May 1986
Deputy	Nick Dondas
Preceded by	Paul Everingham
Succeeded by	Stephen Hatton
Personal details
Born	Ian Lindsay Tuxworth 18 June 1942 Wollongong, New South Wales
Died	21 January 2020(2020-01-21) (aged 77) Perth, Western Australia
Nationality	Australian
Political party	NT Nationals
Other political affiliations	Country Liberal Party
Cabinet	Tuxworth Ministry

Ian Lindsay Tuxworth (born June 18, 1942 – died January 21, 2020) was an important Australian politician. He served as the second Chief Minister of the Northern Territory in Australia. This top job is like being the leader of the government for that part of Australia. He held this position from October 17, 1984, until he resigned on May 10, 1986.

Early Life and Career

Ian Tuxworth was born on June 18, 1942, in Wollongong, New South Wales. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. He went to primary school there and later studied at Rostrevor College in Adelaide.

Before he became a politician, Ian, often called "Slim," worked with his father and brother, Robert. They started a soft drink company in Tennant Creek called Crystal Waters. This company later became part of the Coca-Cola Company. Ian also enjoyed playing baseball and was part of a team called the North Australian Kiewaldt team in 1975.

Becoming a Politician

Ian Tuxworth began his political journey in 1974. He was elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly as a member of the Country Liberal Party (CLP). The Legislative Assembly is like a parliament for the Northern Territory, where laws are made. He represented the area called the electoral division of Barkly, which included his hometown of Tennant Creek.

As the representative for Barkly, Ian Tuxworth played a key role in getting government support. This support helped build the Mary Ann Dam, which is located north of Tennant Creek.

Chief Minister of the Northern Territory

After the previous Chief Minister, Paul Everingham, stepped down, Ian Tuxworth was chosen for the top job. He became Chief Minister on October 17, 1984.

One important event during his time as Chief Minister was about Uluru. In 1985, he did not agree with the Australian government's plan to give ownership of Uluru back to its traditional owners, the Aṉangu people. However, many years later, he said that giving Uluru back had been a good decision.

On May 10, 1986, Ian Tuxworth resigned as Chief Minister. He also left the Country Liberal Party. He then started a new political group called the NT Nationals party.

Later Elections

In the 1987 Northern Territory general election, Ian Tuxworth was re-elected for Barkly, but this time as a member of the NT Nationals. He won by only 19 votes. However, his victory was challenged by another candidate, Maggie Hickey. A court decided that the election result was not valid.

So, a special new election, called a by-election, was held on September 5, 1987. Ian Tuxworth won again, once more defeating Maggie Hickey. After some changes to the electoral boundaries, his seat of Barkly was expected to be won by the Labor Party. Because of this, Ian Tuxworth decided to run for a different seat, Electoral division of Goyder, in the 1990 Northern Territory general election. However, he was not successful in winning that election.

Ian Tuxworth was the first leader of the Country Liberal Party who did not lead the party into a general election.

Life After Politics

After leaving politics, Ian Tuxworth moved to Perth, Western Australia. He passed away there on January 21, 2020, at the age of 77. He was survived by his wife, Ruth, his children, Sonia, Guy, and Gemma, and his eight grandchildren.