Marion Scrymgour is the elected representative in the Australian Government for the seat of Lingiari.
She grew up in Darwin as one of twelve children. Her mother is Tiwi, and her father is a stolen-generation Anmatjere man.
Her father’s story has had a great impact on her. A good man, a hard worker, and a loving father. But the government, and the system of taking children from their families, left him scared and hurt. This is something his children carry in their hearts.
Her mother was a proud, culturally strong woman and taught her about culture which helped her connect with language.
At the age of 16 Marion started working. Gaining experience in a whole range of jobs including, typewriting, bull tying, other farm work, and administration. After school Marion went to the University of Southern Queensland to study Business Administration.
Marion then started my work in the community-controlled health sector. For 23 years she worked in this field, working in remote communities, in her home of Tiwi, and in Katherine. Marion saw first-hand the need for a strong government to help provide services for all our citizens, but particularly our Indigenous Australians.
In 2001 Marion was elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly representing the bush seat of Arafura. She served in the Northern Territory Government, as an MLA, a Minister, and as Deputy Chief Minister, for 11 years.
In 2013, after retiring from the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly – Marion felt the need to go back home.
Marion worked on Tiwi as the CEO of the Tiwi Regional Council, before being appointed the CEO of the Northern Land Council in 2019.
Throughout her entire working life, she fought hard for justice and for those in need. It’s at the core of who she is.
Marion is excited to continue this fight and deliver for Lingiari.