On behalf of the Northern Territory Government, I acknowledge the passing of the former Administrator of the Northern Territory, Mr Tom Pauling AO KC.
Arriving in the Northern Territory in 1970, Mr Pauling worked as barrister, where in 1988 he was named Solicitor-General of the Northern Territory and he served until 2007.
In September 2007 Mr Pauling was appointed the Administrator of the Northern Territory. He spent the next four years travelling the Territory, listening to Territorians and being an advocate for them.
Mr Pauling was a great Territorian who will be dearly missed. He was larger than life, involved in the arts, and creative space, Tom was present at nearly every Territory event, with a warm smile and laugh.
In recognition for his significant services to the Northern Territory, and devotion to a number of causes, Mr Pauling was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2008.
On behalf of the Northern Territory Government and Territorians, I extend our sincere sympathy to Mr Pauling’s wife Tessa, children Fred and Zoe, and his grandchildren.
Statement below attributed to Mr Tom Pauling AO KC family:
Former Northern Territory Administrator Tom Pauling AO KC died peacefully at home on 23 November 2023. He was 76.
Tom was the Northern Territory’s 19th Administrator, from 2007 until 2011. Prior to that, he was the Solicitor General of the Northern Territory from 1988.
Tom came to the Northern Territory in 1970 after answering an ad for a solicitor posted by Cridland and Bauer.
He practised law as a solicitor and in-house counsel before joining the newly formed independent bar.
After Cyclone Tracy Tom assisted with the relief effort to evacuate thousands of Territorians from Darwin under the command of Major General Stretton.
He was appointed Queens Counsel in 1984. He practised as a barrister until his appointment as Solicitor General, apart from a brief period as a Stipendiary magistrate and acting Chief Magistrate between 1977 and 1980.
Tom made a significant contribution to Territory life. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Browns Mart theatre and the performing arts. Tom was instrumental in establishing the Darwin Performing Arts Centre which became the Darwin Entertainment Centre, and served as Chairman from 1985 to 1994.
Tom also served as Chairman of the Board of Museums and Art Galleries NT from 1994 to 1997.
In 2008 Tom was appointed an officer of the Order of Australia for significant services to the Northern Territory.
Tom is married to Tessa Pauling. They have 2 children Fred and Zoe, and 4 grandchildren Millie, Alice, Azlyn and Eliza.
May he rest in peace.
Northern Territory Government
