Chief Minister Michael Gunner held Labor fundraiser at The Cav on same day ICAC report into Purick handed down

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner held a secret $2500-a-head NT Labor fundraiser in Darwin on the same day former Speaker Kezia Purick was found by ICAC to have engaged in corrupt conduct.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner hosted a Labor fundraiser on Monday night

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner held a secret $2500-a-head NT Labor fundraiser in Darwin on the same day former Speaker Kezia Purick was found by ICAC to have engaged in corrupt conduct.

The NT News can reveal Mr Gunner attended the fundraiser at The Cav hotel on Monday night.

The event was held only hours after he called for Ms Purick to resign for alleged corrupt conduct.

The NT News understands the fundraiser, which was within electoral rules, was attended by about 20 business and legal people and was mainly a drinks-only function.

Both the Chief Minister’s office and NT Labor refused to answer questions about who attended the fundraiser and what matters were being discussed by Mr Gunner at the event.

In responding to questions from the NT News, a spokeman for NT Labor said: “Donations, including fundraising functions, are declared in accordance with the Electoral Act to the Northern Territory Electoral Commission.”

“Financial Returns identify individuals and organisations who have made contributions to political parties.

“All parties need to raise money, and people have the right to make a contribution, but we don’t use dodgy slush funds like Terry Mills’ Foundation 51.”

The current quarter of financial disclosures for all parties will be released in July.

When asked by text message “do you have how many attended” the fundraiser, the spokesman replied: “Nope”.

When asked “do you know where it was?” the spokesman replied “I believe it was at the cav.”

The Chief Minister’s office have today been given another opportunity to provide the names of those who attended Monday night’s fundraiser.

Mr Gunner came under fire late last year when he abruptly flew to Melbourne for a secret $5000-a-head fundraiser.

An invitation for the event, leaked to the NT News, showed the luncheon was held at the exclusive Collins Quarter restaurant and was originally set to be attended by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

Prior to the story being published, Mr Gunner’s office refused to confirm to the NT News he was flying to Melbourne for a fundraiser despite being asked questions.

It was later revealed that Mr Gunner dined with bookmakers at the Melbourne fundraiser.

The NT News understands a flyer was not produced for Monday night’s fundraiser as Labor was concerned it would be leaked to the media.