Gerald Francis McCarthy (born 30 June 1958) is an Australian politician. He was a Labor member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, holding the seat of Barkly from the 2008 general election until he retired at the 2020 election. He was Minister for Housing and Community Development, Minister for Essential Services and Minister for Public Employment in the Gunner Ministry from September 2016 to 2020.

Northern Territory Legislative Assembly
YearsTermElectoral divisionParty
2008–201211thBarklyLabor
2012–201612thBarklyLabor
2016–202013thBarklyLabor

McCarthy also held several ministries in Paul Henderson's cabinet: on 9 February 2009 he joined the cabinet as Minister for Transport and Minister for Correctional Services. On 6 August, he gained the additional portfolios of Arts and Museums, Senior Territorians, Young Territorians, and Minister Assisting the Chief Minister on Multicultural Affairs and Education. From 4 December 2009 to the defeat of the Henderson government at the 2012 Northern Territory election, he was Minister for Lands and Planning, Transport, Construction, Correctional Services, and Arts and Museums. McCarthy retired at 2020 election, and the Country Liberal Party won the seat.

Political views

McCarthy was one of four MLAs who opposed a bill that decriminalised abortion in the Northern Territory.

Northern Territory Legislative Assembly
Preceded byElliot McAdamMember for Barkly 2008–2020Succeeded bySteve Edgington
Preceded byBess Priceas Minister for HousingMinister for Housing and Community Development 2016–2020Succeeded byKate Wordenas Minister for Territory Families and Urban Housing
Succeeded byChansey Paechas Minister for Remote Housing and Town Camps
Preceded byPeter ChandlerMinister for Essential Services 2016–2020Succeeded byEva Lawler
Preceded byPeter StylesMinister for Public Employment 2016–2020Succeeded byPaul Kirby