Career
He was the Labor member for Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly from 1990 to 2008. Stirling was born in Kyneton, Victoria, and worked as a teacher before his election to parliament. He challenged for the Labor leadership twice, but was easily defeated.
He resigned along with Martin in November 2007, and retired at the 2008 election.
He is currently the president of the Northern Territory division of the Labor Party.