Yiŋiya Guyula leaves NT parliament after a decade of fighting for Yolŋu recognition

Yiŋiya Guyula, the independent member for Mulka in the Northern Territory parliament, has resigned after nearly three terms, ending a decade-long political career that began with an eight-vote upset and carried him from the bush of Arnhem Land to the halls of the United Nations.

Guyula, a Yolŋu elder and former commercial pilot, announced his departure this week, citing a lack of willingness from the Country Liberal Party (CLP) government to form genuine partnerships with Indigenous communities.

From crocodile hunter's son to UN delegate

Born deep in the bush as the son of a crocodile hunter, Guyula learned English only after age 10. He worked as an aeroplane mechanic before becoming a pilot, then entered politics with a surprise win in the electorate of Nhulunbuy in 2016, defeating the incumbent Labor member by just eight votes.

In 2018, he addressed the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, telling delegates:

“My people are crying out for justice and we are not being heard.”

He described himself as “a noisy feather” who would keep calling out and stand stronger over time, a prediction that proved accurate over the following years.

What did Guyula advocate for in parliament?

Throughout his tenure, Guyula campaigned consistently for a treaty, for recognition of Yolŋu rom (cultural law) in Aboriginal communities, and for community-led solutions to the NT's social challenges. He raised concerns about disparities in the justice system, environmental issues, and the survival of Indigenous languages.

He also built working relationships with colleagues across party lines, despite frustration with both Labor and the CLP over various policy directions.

Why did Guyula resign from the NT parliament?

Guyula said he could no longer sit in a parliament opposite a government unwilling to listen or form partnerships. He pointed to CLP laws that he said had led to a spike in Indigenous incarceration, which he described as “a slow genocide.”

His home community of Milingimbi has also faced unrest in recent times, adding pressure on him to balance cultural responsibilities with the demands of the Westminster system.

In his resignation statement, Guyula said:

“I will continue to serve the people as a Yolŋu leader for as long as I have left, and I will continue to seek genuine partnerships and advocate for our homelands and community-led solutions that are desperately needed on country.”

How has the political community reacted?

Respectful statements have come from across the political spectrum, including from the CLP government. The Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation called him a “true friend” and a “strong representative of the homelands and Yolŋu.”

Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan said:

“It is a huge loss in NT parliament and for all Territorians.”

What happens now for the Mulka electorate?

A by-election has been called for September 12. The Mulka electorate, renamed from Nhulunbuy before the 2020 election, is vast and complex, covering remote communities like Galiwin'ku and Milingimbi as well as the town of Nhulunbuy itself.

Labor once held the seat firmly during the mining boom, but after a decade under an independent, its standing is uncertain. Acting Opposition Leader Ed Smelt said Labor wants to support self-determination and the economic transition occurring in Nhulunbuy.

The town faces an uncertain future with the looming end of the Rio Tinto mine, and the CLP will likely argue it has the weight of government to guide the region's post-mining transition. Minor parties such as One Nation and the Greens may also field candidates.

The bigger question may be whether another independent from the bush emerges, someone unexpected who could again shake up the status quo for another decade, much as Guyula did when he first arrived.

Who is Yiŋiya Guyula?

Yiŋiya Guyula is a Yolŋu elder, former aeroplane mechanic and commercial pilot who served as the independent MLA for Nhulunbuy, later renamed Mulka, from 2016 to 2026. He was the first independent to hold the seat and used his position to advocate for Indigenous rights, cultural law recognition and community-led development in east Arnhem Land.