Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We Territorians are feeling a bit like, to quote Cold Chisel, 'That we're standing on the outside looking in. We're standing on the outside looking in.' And you ask why? It is because, unfortunately, Darwin is not part of Cold Chisel's big 50 national tour, celebrating 50 years of that great band.

Fifty years ago, when Darwin was hit by Cyclone Tracy, the Chisels had just decided on Cold Chisel as their name. In 1978 they put out their first album, and we also achieved self-government in the Northern Territory. When they first came to play in Darwin in 1980, it was a massive occasion. They're a great band.

As we commemorate 50 years since Cyclone Tracy, we would love Cold Chisel to make their way up the track—up the Stuart Highway from Adelaide—at the end of November and play for us to help us to reflect and remember Cyclone Tracy and all the good times we've had with the Chisels in the Territory. There'll be no need for a big top tent—we have the air conditioned Darwin Convention Centre, and rather than breakfast at Sweethearts, I'll take them to see Sweetheart the croc and we'll go to the ski club. The poincianas will be in full bloom—the flame trees that are so famous and iconic in the Northern Territory. Territorians will love the Chisels forever now.