Chief Minister Michael Gunner to leave Territory for Christmas holidays despite his own advice to Territorians

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has revealed he will leave the Territory for a family Christmas in regional Queensland despite telling Territorians four months ago to cancel their own Christmas plans interstate.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner, wife Kristy O’Brien and son Hudson in August

• Don’t go interstate for your Christmas holidays, Chief Minister Michael Gunner tells Territorians

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has revealed he will leave the Territory for a family Christmas with his wife Kristy O’Brien’s family in regional Queensland.

Depsite telling Territorians days before the August election to cancel their Christmas plans interstate, Mr Gunner confirmed today he would in fact be leaving the Territory.

He told a press conference that he will travel to Queensland for Christmas with Ms O’Brien and their young son, Hudson.

In August, Mr Gunner said: “My advice to every Territorian, if you can, stay here in the Territory. You’re safe here, don’t go.”

“If you can, cancel your Christmas holiday plans, stay here in the Northern Territory,” he said.

In today’s press conference, Mr Gunner, with a sly grin, admitted his advice back then was for people to stay in the Territory for Christmas.

“If you’re going interstate these holidays pack 14 days and $2500 (in case you have to quarantine on the way home),” he joked.

OFFER EXTENDED: Amazing NT News subscription offer: Read everything for $1

Mr Gunner also joked that when it came to the home front, Ms O’Brien was the one who called the shots.

Under his own borders for hotspots policy, if the place Mr Gunner is visiting is declared a hotspot while he is away, Mr Gunner and his family would need to quarantine at Howard Springs for 14 days.

However, some people are given exemptions so it would be interesting if chief health officer Hugh Heggie gives Mr Gunner one, should he require it.