Chief Minister to dodge NT mining industry election debate

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has rejected a longstanding invitation to give his government’s vision at the Darwin Mining Club’s big election debate, despite the Territory mining industry being the largest source of revenue to the Territory economy.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has rejected a longstanding invitation to present his government’s vision at the Darwin Mining Club’s big election debate. Picture: Che Chorley

THE industry expected to spearhead a future turn around in the Territory economy will open the floor to the Territory’s three key political parties to give their vision for the NT resources sector, its workforce and the communities in which it operates.

The Darwin Mining Club’s big election debate, hosted by the Minerals Council of Australia on August 7 at the Darwin Convention Centre, has attracted unprecedented interest with more than 180 people already booked to attend.

Country Liberal Party leader Lia Finocchiaro and Alliance Party leader Terry Mills will give their visions.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner rejected a longstanding invitation to give his government’s vision despite the Territory mining industry being the largest source of revenue to the Territory economy.

Resources Minister Paul Kirby will attend instead.

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For his part Mr Kirby has acknowledged the Territory mining industry is “a pillar of the economy, providing the most own-source revenue to the Territory’s budget, and directly employing over 4000 people”.

Mr Kirby has also acknowledged that the resources sector will have an important role to play in the Territory economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis.

Tickets: $85 Individual; $640 table of 8; $800 table of 10.

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