‘They’ve lost my trust’: Gunner defends decision to sack three MPs

TERRITORY Chief Minister Michael Gunner claims he was left with no choice but to sack three ministers after they deliberately tried to undermine him this week

Minister Michael Gunner is greeted by Paul Kirby MLA as he arrives at Darwin Airport after sacking three Labor members of parliament from Caucus . Picture: Glenn Campbell

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TERRITORY Chief Minister Michael Gunner claims he was left with no choice but to sack three ministers after they deliberately tried to undermine him this week.

Despite the political disarray facing his Government, Mr Gunner had a smile on his face as he touched down in Darwin on Saturday.

He abruptly ended his New Zealand holiday to return and give a press conference at parliament, outlining the reasons why he sacked Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ken Vowles and eject Labor backbenchers Jeff Collins and Scott McConnell from caucus.

“Over recent days, Ken, Jeff and Scott have lost my trust,” Mr Gunner said.

“It should come as no surprise to anyone that if you can’t support the leader, if you undermine the deputy and question her ability to do her job, if you walk away from caucus and Cabinet solidarity and those caucus values that we share – that you are no longer part of our government team.

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He rejected claims that his colleagues were not listened to during internal discussions, insisting they were just deliberately trying “to destabilise the Government.”

“I accept this was not a good week,” he said.

“I do apologise to Territorians, but I am not responsible for the actions of those three people.”

Member for Port Darwin Paul Kirby, who collected Mr Gunner from the airport on Saturday, told the NT News he “absolutely backs” the Chief’s decision to sack Mr Vowles but he refused to say if he would take over his portfolios.

It is understood Treasurer Nicole Manison will oversee Aboriginal Affairs, Primary Industry and Resources and Arafura Games portfolios until a replacement is elected at the end of January.

Mr Gunner said he had “not given mind to” stripping the sacked trio of their Labor membership as well and said it would be a decision for the party to take.

Mr Gunner said the Government would soon conduct a “root and branch” examination of its expenditure to address the economic crisis.

“It will be leading into tough conversations and big decisions early next year, as we prepare for our Budget,” he said.

“These are huge issues facing us and we have to be able to have those conversations internally in a room where everyone trusts each other.”

Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said the decision to punish Mr Vowles for having the “courage to speak the truth” was not only unfair but childish.

“He has exposed they have no plan and Labor have cannibalised him,” he said.

“At least Ken Vowles had the guts to stand by his convictions.”