Anzac Day NT: Chief Minister Michael Gunner on paternity leave

The Chief Minister sent his deputy to the Darwin Anzac Day service this year. Here’s why.

TERRITORIANS have taken to social media to ask why the Chief Minister was missing in action at the Top End’s Anzac Day commemorations, with his deputy Nicole Manison stepping into his place.

The NT News revealed on Tuesday, April 19, that Michael Gunner began two weeks of paternity leave on that day as he and his wife Kristy O’Brien prepare for the birth of their second child.

It’s understood the Chief Minister began paternity leave early in order to self-isolate.

Under current hospital rules, partners of pregnant women must be Covid-negative in order to attend the birth of their children.

While he didn’t attend the Anzac Day service at the Cenotaph this year, Mr Gunner lit a candle in his driveway, which he commemorated in a Facebook post.

Across the Territory people gathered at dawn to remember the sacrifices of the Anzacs and all those who have served in...

Posted by Michael Gunner on Sunday, April 24, 2022

Mr Gunner and Ms O’Brien had their first child Hudson in April 2020.

Hudson is no stranger to social media, as he has his own personal Instagram page @rovingbabychief with about 470 followers. He only follows mum Kristy and dad.

Mr Gunner married the ABC journalist and producer in 2017 after a 6½-year ­engagement.

Mr Gunner revealed that he and his family were forced to flee their home one weekend last October after receiving threats from anti-vaccination protesters.

Mr Gunner was visibly upset and told reporters that one of the vile comments was “my kid would be put in a grave”.

HOTEL DARWIN TWO-UP MARCH 2022

Festivities continued at 12pm on April 25 for the traditional two-up gambling game.

Illegal on most other days of the year Hotel Darwin was abuzz with punters trying their luck.

Lucky winner Nick Gibson said the tradition was about the Australian sense of community.

“Everyone’s here to have a good time in honour of serving Australians,” Mr Gibson said.

“It brings us together, if we don’t have these traditions we will forget our culture.”

Able Seaman Thomas Rutsch said the age-old game remembers what the ANZACs did and “we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them”.

ANZAC DAY NT PREVIEW

IT’S the time of the year where all Australians and New Zealanders stop and commemorate the past and present, men and women, who have protected and served for the preservation of our country and freedom.

ANZAC Day ceremonies will be held right across the Territory for anyone who wishes to attend and pay their respects for our past and present, Australia Defence force members.

Commanding Officer 5RAR Chris Gilmore said there was a deep sense of pride within each soldier who has the privilege of marching on ANZAC Day.

Commanding Officer 5RAR Chris Gilmore sharing the importance of ANZAC Day. Picture: Floss Adams

“For the soldiers to get to march on ANZAC Day It’s pretty significant for them,” Officer Gilmore said.

“The importance of ANZAC Day Gives us the opportunity to reflect and commemorate those men and women who have served before in various conflicts and also domestic operations as well.”

Royal Australian Air Force aircraft will conduct a flying display in the skies above the Territory in support of Anzac Day commemorations.

“The flyovers here are important as well because it signifies the Air Force and also the army contribution here to the service community in Darwin as well as the Royal Australian Navy as well,” Officer Gilmore said.

Officer Gilmore said no matter what your occupation was, Anzac history was important to understand.

“What we commemorate on ANZAC Day is the landings at ANZAC COVE and for us, that’s really where a part of Australian identity was forged and commenced,” he said.