Terry Mills (politician)

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Terrence Kennedy (Terry) Mills (born 22 December 1957) is the current Country Liberal Party (CLP) leader and opposition leader in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly since 29 January 2008. He also served as CLP and opposition leader 14 November 2003—4 February 2005.

Mills was born in Geraldton, Western Australia, and lived in the agricultural town of Mullewa for a time with his parents, Bernard and Patricia. He was educated at St Patrick's College, Geraldton, before moving to Perth and gaining a Diploma of Education at the Western Australian College of Advanced Education. In 1983, he commenced teaching at a private school in Perth, and in the same year married Ros (nèe Serich). They had one son and one daughter. In 1989, the family moved to the Northern Territory, where Mills became principal of a Christian school.

Mills joined the Country Liberal Party in the 1990s, and in a 1999 by-election, was elected to the seat of Blain in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly. Initially, he served as Chairman of Committees. In 2001, following the defeat of the Country Liberal government, Mills assumed the shadow portfolios of Youth Affairs, Education, Employment and Training, and Sport and Recreation.

On 14 November 2003, he replaced Denis Burke as Leader of the Opposition, and assumed the portfolios of Shadow Treasurer, Asian Relations and Trade, Territory Development, Railways, Racing and Gaming.