Beth Wild gets the Gong

The gong is not an award that is given every year, or every conference. The Gong is patient, and is prepared to wait for someone whose contribution to the state of justice in the Northern Territory is so exceptional that exceptional recognition is warranted.

This week at the 2026 CLANT Conference, CLANT gongs Beth Wild, because Beth is that person. Current head of Mindil Chambers and President of CLANT, Beth spent well in excess of ten years in senior positions at NAAJA, and was a pillar of support for hundreds of fledgling lawyers in one of the most challenging legal environments in the country. That has earnt Beth the undying gratitude of many in the profession.

Beth is a fearsome advocate in her own right, having appeared unled in serious criminal cases including for the charge of murder. She is routinely briefed in the heaviest cases in the Territory courts.

Beth’s advocacy continues outside the courtroom. In the media, Beth is often a voice of reasoned objection to the Draconian ‘tough on crime’ reforms that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people in our society. Her advocacy is fierce and principled without fear or favour.

The first father/daughter Gonging in the history of CLANT also underscores the legacy of the Wild family, including Beth’s late mother, and the contribution the Wilds have made to the Northern Territory.

 

Congratulations Beth!