Asta Hill has made history by becoming the first Greens-backed mayor of Mparntwe/Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The 37-year-old criminal defence lawyer and human rights advocate, who grew up in the town and is now raising her own children there, secured victory with 50.3% of the vote after preference counting concluded on 5 September.
A New Vision for Alice Springs
Hill describes Alice Springs as a place of extraordinary beauty, where the Macdonnell Ranges display stunning shades of blue and purple that inspired renowned artist Albert Namatjira. "There is a reason that many of the most prolific artists in the world are from this Country – we have such an incredibly beautiful palette that they can work with," she reflects.
The town serves as a meeting place for Arrernte and other First Nations people from across the Northern Territory, while also being home to settler descendants and growing multicultural communities that now constitute approximately one-third of its population. "We have this panoply of languages, cultures and traditions … and we're all living together in really close proximity to one another," Hill observes.
Addressing Community Safety Without Fueling Panic
Hill's election comes after a period of national attention focused on Alice Springs's social challenges, including the Territory government declaring an emergency and enforcing a youth curfew following incidents of property damage and concerns about community safety.
With extensive experience working in Legal Aid NT and the Central Australian Women's Legal Service, Hill brings practical understanding of the justice system to her new role. She aims to address community safety concerns while avoiding what she describes as "fuelling a crime panic."
"The Greens party, historically, hasn't ran community safety campaigns and I sought to change that," Hill explains. "I felt compelled to show leadership in the way that we talk about that issue, and to embed fundamental human rights into that conversation, as well as evidenced-based solutions to community safety concerns."
Changing Demographics and Political Independence
Former Charles Darwin University pro-vice-chancellor Don Zoellner suggests Hill's election reflects the town's evolving demographics. Where Alice Springs was once dominated by small business owners supporting conservative politics, it has transformed into a regional centre for health and community services employing tertiary-educated professionals with more progressive leanings.
Emeritus professor Rolf Gerritsen credits the Greens' "formidable organisation" and grassroots campaigning for contributing to Hill's success. Despite her party affiliation, Hill maintained her independence throughout the campaign, even stating she would compromise on Greens policy if necessary after community consultation.
Hill's practical approach resonated with voters, particularly her emphasis on addressing chronic childcare shortages – an issue she has personally experienced as a parent. This focus on day-to-day concerns, alongside her vision for rewriting the town's narrative, proved compelling for Alice Springs residents seeking fresh leadership.
