Chief Minister reveals cracker night fireworks sourced wholly from China, creating safety concerns

THE NT’s iconic Cracker Night was cancelled because 100 per cent of the fireworks come from China with some manufactured 80km outside of Wuhan, ground zero for coronavirus

THE NT’s iconic Cracker Night was cancelled because 100 per cent of the fireworks come from China with some manufactured 80km outside of Wuhan, ground zero of the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said there were more factors at play than just coronavirus physical restrictions that led to the one-off cancellation of the annual event.

No fireworks can be sold or blown up, in public or in private, this year.

MORE:

Territorians’ fury over ‘sudden’ deadline to apply for tradie Home Improvement Scheme

Alice Springs, Darwin to get extra Qantas flights under $165 million support fund

Chief Minister announces $20 million JobKeeper gap-filling plan to help casuals, visa holders

Mr Gunner told the NT News it was firework sellers who first approached the government about concerns they wouldn’t be able to guarantee supply for the Territory Day staple, as the hundreds of tonnes of fireworks needed were imported wholly from China.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner, speaking after the 13th national cabinet, confirmed cracker night was off. Picture: Che Chorley

This coupled with fears of bringing in contaminated freight and the inevitable surge in emergency department presentations during cracker night on July 1, forced Mr Gunner to cancel the hugely popular event for the first time since it became synonymous with Territory Day in 1980.

“Our fireworks come from China. I’m not taking that risk right now, it’s as simple as that,” he said.

“I know it’s not a popular decision. I never thought I’d be the Chief Minister to cancel cracker night but I’m doing whatever it takes to save lives, and it will absolutely be back next year.

But Territorians could still have cracker night in 2020 depending on the outcome of the August 22 election.

Thousands gather for fireworks on Territory Day, but not this year. Picture: Lisa Vassilakoglou Territory Day 2019

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiario confirmed she would “consider” holding the event late in the year if the party gained power.

Ms Finocchiario said on Katie Woolf’s The Week That Was radio program yesterday that Mr Gunner had jumped the gun on cancelling cracker night and the government had “not tried hard enough”.

Returning serve, Mr Gunner said the comments were disappointing, and the approach “incredibly dangerous”.

“I don’t make these tough decisions for the hell of it, I do it because it’s the right thing to do. I do it to save lives.”

NT Major Events is working on ways Territory Day can be celebrated in a COVID-19 safe way.

Details on what a crackerless July 1 Territory Day will look like are set to be released next week.