Fifth Hatton Ministry

The Fifth Hatton Ministry was the 21st ministry to come from the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly. It was sworn in on 6 April 1988 after the resignation of Ray Hanrahan as Deputy Chief Minister and his succession by Barry Coulter. The new ministry also saw the return to the ministry of former minister Tom Harris as Minister for Education and the promotion of new minister Eric Poole as Minister for Tourism. The ministry operated until 13 July of that year, when Stephen Hatton resigned as Chief Minister and was replaced by Marshall Perron.

• Hon Stephen Hatton, MLA: Chief Minister
• Hon Barry Coulter, MLA: Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer and Minister for Mines and Energy (also Leader of Government Business from 17 May 1988)
• Hon Marshall Perron, MLA: Minister for Industries and Development
• Hon Daryl Manzie, MLA: Attorney-General, Minister for Lands and Housing and Minister for Conservation
• Hon Don Dale, MLA: Minister for Health and Community Services
• Hon Terry McCarthy, MLA: Minister for Labour, Administrative Services and Local Government
• Hon Fred Finch, MLA: Minister for Transport and Works
• Hon Tom Harris, MLA: Minister for Education and Minister Assisting the Chief Minister on Constitutional Development
• Hon Eric Poole, MLA: Minister for Tourism and Minister Assisting the Chief Minister on Central Australian Affairs

Former minister Ray Hanrahan continued to serve as Leader of Government Business during this period until his resignation from parliament on 16 May 1988. Barry Coulter was sworn in as his replacement on 17 May.