Mather outlines struggles as At-Large Rep

Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy ‘Buddha’ Mather

First-term lawmaker Stacey Mather recently shared some of the challenges he faces as a Territorial At-Large Representative.
Appearing on the Talking Points show, Mather discussed the difficulties in balancing the wider community’s needs while navigating limited resources, particularly as an Opposition member.

Mather, who received the most votes in the last election, highlighted the emotional high he experienced during his swearing-in ceremony. “I still think about the trust my people put in me,” he recalled, reflecting on the significance of being one of the few individuals elected to represent thousands of voters.

However, the At-Large Representative admitted that there have also been notable challenges. One of his main frustrations stems from a disconnect between the government’s efforts and the public’s perception of what is happening within the House of Assembly.
“When you meet the average person on the street, they’re unaware of what we’re doing,” Mather explained. He pointed out that despite the government’s ongoing discussions, many people focus more on their day-to-day concerns.

Mather also highlighted the stark difference in resources allocated to At-Large Representatives versus District Representatives. He revealed that while district representatives receive $200,000 annually for civil works, At-Large Representatives were recently allocated only $10,000. “That shows a disparity in how things are done for us as At-Large Reps,” Mather said.

The challenges of representing the entire territory are compounded by the fact that At-Large Representatives must address concerns across all nine districts. Mather admitted that while he strives to engage with the community, there are times when he feels he could do more. He emphasised that maintaining communication with constituents is critical but recognised that balancing the needs of so many individuals can be difficult.

Despite these obstacles, Mather expressed a strong desire to continue his role as an advocate for the people. He shared that he regularly seeks additional training and education to better serve his community, even participating in online courses through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Looking ahead, Mather expressed his desire for changes to the current political system. He advocated for greater representation across the territory and called for more At-Large Representatives in the House of Assembly. “I would like to see positions in government being campaigned for, even the Speaker of the House,” Mather said. Mather argued that residents should have a stronger voice in determining their leadership.

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