GARY SHIPWAY
255 words
26 January 2017
Northern Territory News
Australia’s richest business woman Gina Rinehart is to have a presence in Darwin — and former Chief Minister Adam Giles will be it.
Mr Giles (inset) has been appointed Ms Rinehart’s General Manager of External Affairs Pastoral for Australia, basing himself in Darwin.
The business presence of Ms Rinehart in Darwin has been welcomed by the NT Chamber of Commerce which said it would put a national and international focus on Darwin and the Territory.
“An office presence by Gina Rinehart in the Northern Territory’s capital, headed up by a former NT Chief Minister who has belief and commitment to the Territory is a good thing,” acting Chamber of Commerce CEO Brian O’Gallagher said.
“Despite whatever internal problems befell the previous government Mr Giles was astute and passionate about the Territory. “ Mr Giles said he was looking forward to getting back to Darwin and his work with Hancock Prospecting.
“Mrs Rinehart’s pastoral interests are set to make a significant contribution to the development of Northern Australia, something I share her passion for,” Mr Giles said.
It is no secret Mrs Rinehart had strong regard for Mr Giles when he was Northern Territory Chief Minister.
He asked Mrs Rinehart to consider building a $175 million state-of-the-art cancer hospital, and several potential sites have been earmarked.
Labor said yesterday talks on the proposed hospital were continuing.Mrs Rinehart is the single largest private landholder in the Northern Territory.
