Chief Minister
Media Release State Funeral to honour the Honourable Grant Tambling AM
4 March 2025
A State Funeral will be held to honour the life and legacy of former Northern Territory parliamentarian, the Hon Grant Tambling AM.
The service will take place on Monday, 17 March at the Darwin Convention Centre, commencing at 10.00am.
Mr Tambling was a passionate Territorian who dedicated his life to public service. He is believed to be the first Australian to have served at all three levels of government.
His distinguished career began as an Alderman with Darwin City Council from 1972 to 1974. He was then elected as the Member for Fannie Bay in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 1977. Mr Tambling moved to federal politics, serving as the Member for the Northern Territory from 1980 to 1983, and later as Senator for the Northern Territory from 1987 to 2001.
In 2003, he was appointed Administrator of Norfolk Island, a role he held until 2007. Following his tenure, he returned to the Northern Territory, where he remained until his passing in January at the age of 81.
Mr Tambling was a fierce advocate for the Northern Territory, particularly on issues such as euthanasia and Territory rights. His contributions to public life were recognised in 2011 when he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to politics and the community.
The Northern Territory Government acknowledges Mr Tambling's decades of dedication and service to the Territory and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
