Nick Dondas (Australian politician)

Profile of Nick Dondas, a Country Liberal Party politician who served in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly (1974–1994), as its Speaker (1989–1994), and in the Australian House of Representatives (1996–1998).

Overview

Nicholas "Nick" Manuel Dondas AM (born 26 October 1939) is an Australian politician associated with the Country Liberal Party. He was a prominent figure in Northern Territory politics for two decades and later served a term in the federal parliament. His career spans the early years of the Territory's modern political institutions and the transitional period when the Northern Territory expanded self-government powers.

Political career and offices

Dondas represented the urban electorate of Casuarina in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly from the Assembly's first elections in 1974 until 1994. During this period he held a variety of responsibilities and became one of the Assembly's longest-serving members. He was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and served in that role from 1989 to 1994, presiding over debates and procedural matters.

After a long territorial career, Dondas moved to federal politics. He represented the Division of Northern Territory in the House of Representatives from 1996 until 1998, participating in national debates on issues affecting the Territory and its communities. He is a member of the Country Liberal Party, a centre-right party active in the Northern Territory and affiliated with the broader federal Coalition.

Background and honours

Dondas was born in Perth, Western Australia, and later made his career in the Northern Territory. He carries the post-nominal AM, indicating he is a Member of the Order of Australia, an honour awarded for service to the community and public life.

Significance and legacy

Key aspects of Dondas's public life include his participation in the establishment years of the Northern Territory's modern legislature, his lengthy representation of an important Darwin suburb, and his stewardship of parliamentary procedure as Speaker. His single term in federal parliament gave him a brief platform to advocate Territory interests at the national level.

Quick facts

Party: Country Liberal Party
Northern Territory Legislative Assembly member for Casuarina: 1974–1994 (assembly)
Speaker of the Assembly: 1989–1994
Member for the Division of Northern Territory in the House of Representatives: 1996–1998 (Division of Northern Territory)
Born: 26 October 1939 in Perth
Honour: Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

For more on the institutions and electorates associated with his career, see resources on the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Division of the Northern Territory (electorate profile).