Marshall Perron facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marshall Perron
4th Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
In office 14 July 1988 – 26 May 1995
Deputy	Barry Coulter
Preceded by	Stephen Hatton
Succeeded by	Shane Stone
Constituency	Fannie Bay
Personal details
Born	(1942-02-05) 5 February 1942 (age 83) Perth, Western Australia
Political party	Country Liberal Party
Spouse	Cherry Perron
Cabinet	Perron Ministry

Marshall Bruce Perron was an important Australian politician. He was born on 5 February 1942. Marshall Perron was a member of the Country Liberal Party. He served in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 1995. For most of this time, he was a cabinet minister. From 1988 to 1995, Perron was the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. This is like being the leader of the government for the Northern Territory.

Early Life and Family

Marshall Perron was born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1942. His family was originally from Darwin. However, they had to move to Perth. This was because of the danger of Japanese attacks during World War II. Perron was born just two weeks before the bombing of Darwin. He used to joke that the Japanese stopped him from being born a "Territorian."

Marshall Perron's Political Journey

Perron started his political career in 1974. He was elected to the very first Northern Territory Legislative Assembly. This new Assembly replaced an older government group. He represented the area called Stuart Park. He was a member of the Country Liberal Party.

A year later, Darwin was hit by Cyclone Tracy. After surviving the cyclone, Perron was given a more important role. He became part of the government's cabinet. Before 1978, the Northern Territory did not have full self-government. So, ministers were called "Executive Members." Perron joined the executive team in December 1975. He helped with things like local affairs and education.

After the 1977 election, Perron became the deputy leader of his party. This made him the Deputy Majority Leader. He was in charge of finance and planning. On 1 July 1978, the Northern Territory gained self-government. Perron then became the Deputy Chief Minister. He also managed the territory's money as Treasurer. He looked after land and housing until 1980. Later, he worked on industrial development.

In 1982, the Stuart Park area changed. Perron then ran for election in Fannie Bay. He won this seat in the 1983 election. He beat the current Labor Party candidate.

In 1984, Perron took on a new role. He became the Attorney-General. This means he was the chief legal officer for the territory. During this time, a famous legal case was being reviewed. It was about Lindy Chamberlain. New information came out that questioned her conviction. Perron announced that Lindy Chamberlain would be released from prison. He also set up a special investigation called a Royal Commission. This was to look into the case again.

Perron took a short break from his cabinet roles in 1986. But he returned in 1987 as Minister for Industries and Development.

Becoming Chief Minister

Marshall Perron became Chief Minister on 14 July 1988. He had been offered the job before but had said no. As Chief Minister, he also managed the territory's money. He was also in charge of police and emergency services for a time. He was Chief Minister for almost seven years. This was a long time for a leader in the Northern Territory. He brought stability back to the government. Before him, there had been three different Chief Ministers in four years.

Perron faced his first big election test in 1990. Many thought the Labor Party might win for the first time. But Perron's party won easily. They gained a lot of support from voters. He was reelected just as easily in 1994.

Perron decided to step down from politics in 1995. He resigned as Chief Minister on the day a new law was being debated. This law was about the rights of people who are very sick. He said he did not want his position to influence the debate. The law was passed the next day.

See also

• Perron Ministry