Nova’s crying game

which she answered just two questions, was her time to be honest and upfront. To explain to the Territorians she represented, black, white or blue, why she was walking when there was still so much work to do.

Explain and move on. Instead she ducked and ran.

Alongside her, arm around her shoulder, concern pouring from his face, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten lavished his praise, never mind what her selfish handling of the exit had done to his campaign.

But he had no choice. His language on indigenous affairs, particularly last week in Darwin and this weekend in Melbourne, has been powerful, even moving.

To even hint at disappointment or to lean ever so slightly towards criticism of Ms Peris would have set the commentators off again, damaging the campaign further and obscuring the significant announcement to double ranger funding, a potential gamechanger in the bush and the probable clincher for the marginal seat of Lingiari.

But those who laugh at the supposed failed experiment of the Nova Peris “captain’s pick” are also misguided.

Ms Peris was the first indigenous woman in Federal Parliament. This does mean something. It was – and still is – significant.

The Territory is now in an extraordinary situation in which five strong, capable and proud indigenous women have put their hand up to fill the space. Next time there may be more.

This should, and I do be- lieve it will, be Ms Peris’ lasting legacy.

Instead of celebrating this and exiting with grace and honesty, she has used her Aboriginality to guard against valid scrutiny.

There have been instances to applaud the way Ms Peris has conducted herself against odds, but her exit on Thursday must be called out for what it was: a cheap trick to save face.