Yolŋu Nurse Yiwarr McGrath Selected as Labor Candidate for Mulka By-Election

Territory Labor announced Yiwarr McGrath as its candidate for the Mulka by-election, filling the vacancy left by independent Yiŋiya Guyula’s recent resignation. McGrath, a Yolŋu nurse from Elcho Island who earned the NT Young Australian of the Year award in 2021 and a 2025 early-career health accolade, said he will fight for better healthcare access in the remote communities of east Arnhem Land. The by-election is scheduled for September 12, and a Labor victory would raise the party’s seats from five to six in the NT parliament.

During the selection, McGrath revealed a drink-driving charge from about 16 years ago, mirroring a recent controversy involving Labor shadow minister Manuel Brown. Opposition leader Selena Uibo emphasized the importance of retaining strongholds like Mulka amid the transition of Nhulunbuy and the looming Rio Tinto mine exit. The Country Liberal Party indicated it may field a candidate, though it has not won the seat since the 1970s.