Ngaree Ah Kit facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ngaree Ah Kit
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Ah Kit in 2015
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| Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, International Education, Disabilities and Multicultural Affairs | |
| In office 23 May 2022 – August 2024 |
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| Succeeded by | to be appointed |
| 13th Speaker of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 20 August 2020 – 23 May 2022 |
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| Deputy | Mark Turner (2020–21) Joel Bowden (2021–2022) |
| Preceded by | Chansey Paech |
| Succeeded by | Mark Monaghan |
| Member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly for Karama |
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| In office 27 August 2016 – August 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Delia Lawrie |
| Succeeded by | Brian O'Gallagher |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ngaree Jane Ah Kit
4 June 1981 Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Political party | Labor |
| Parent |
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| Occupation | Public servant |
Ngaree Jane Ah Kit (born 4 June 1981) is an Australian former politician. She was a member of the Labor Party. From 2016 to 2024, she represented the area of Karama in Darwin. This was in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.
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Ngaree Ah Kit's Early Life
Ngaree Ah Kit was born in Katherine, Northern Territory. She grew up in both Katherine and Darwin. Her background includes Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Chinese heritage.
Her father, John Ah Kit, was also a politician. He was the first Indigenous minister in the Northern Territory. He served from 1995 to 2005.
Advocacy and Community Work
After her brother's death in 2007, Ngaree Ah Kit became a strong supporter of suicide prevention. She started a support group for survivors in 2007. In 2010, she helped create the Darwin Region Indigenous Suicide Prevention Network. She also worked for the Northern Territory Department of Health.
In 2009, she was a finalist for the Young Australian of the Year awards. This was for her work organizing NAIDOC Week. This event celebrates the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2016, she was a finalist for Australia's Local Hero. This award recognized her important work in suicide prevention.
Ngaree Ah Kit is known for being a passionate supporter of First Nations people. She also advocates for people with disabilities and different cultural backgrounds. She has been a leader and spokesperson for many community groups.
Ngaree Ah Kit's Political Career
Ngaree Ah Kit became a minister in May 2022. This happened under the Fyles government.
She was in charge of several important areas. These included Corporate and Digital Development, Disabilities, International Education, and Multicultural Affairs.
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
Before becoming a minister, she was the 13th Speaker of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly. This was a very important role. She was the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander woman to be a Speaker in any Australian parliament. She was elected to this role on 20 October 2020.
Before that, she was an Assistant Minister. Her responsibilities included Suicide Prevention, Mental Health, Disability, Youth, and Seniors.
In the 2024 Northern Territory general election, she was not re-elected. Brian O'Gallagher from the Country Liberal Party won the seat.
