Kezia Purick

Kezia Dorcas Tibisay Purick (born 12 May 1958) is an Australian politician. She is a Country Liberal Party (CLP) member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, having held her seat of Goyder since the 2008 election. Prior to entering Parliament, Kezia was the CEO of the NT Minerals Council (Inc) for 16 years.

Purick was Shadow Minister for Major Projects, Trade and Economic Development, Planning and Lands, Housing, Statehood and Women's Policy in the Territory opposition from 2008 to 2012.^[1] In addition, she was deputy leader of the CLP, and therefore Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Prior to the 2012 election, party leader Terry Mills indicated that should the party win government, Purick would remain as his deputy, and would be Deputy Chief Minister. The parliamentary wing of the party overrode Mills' preference, and Purick was replaced as deputy by Robyn Lambley, and given no ministerial roles in the cabinet.^[2] When the parliament resumed on 23 October 2012, Purick was elected unopposed as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.^[3] As Speaker, Kezia is chairman of the House Committee, a member of the Standing Orders and Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committees and is the chairman of the select committee enquiring into foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

She is the daughter of former politician Noel Padgham, who was a member of the assembly from 1977 to 1997. Her father Phillip Purich was an appointed member for the Legislative Council in the 1960s.^[4]

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