Michael Gunner takes role at Fortescue Future Industries

The former Chief Minister has revealed his plans following life in the top job, taking a new role at a global green energy company. See his next steps.

Former Chief Minister Michael Gunner is stepping into a brand new job with his two kids at the front of his mind.

Mr Gunner will head up a new northern Australian team for the Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest-founded Fortescue Future Industries.

“The pitch from Dr Forrest and FFI was simple and straight to the heart — do it for the kids,” he said.

The new role will focus on creating jobs on projects in renewable energy across the Northern Territory and WA’s north west.

Michael Gunner and sons Hudson and Nash ahead of his new role working with Fortescue Future Industries. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Gunner will begin in the position in November, following his resignation as chief minister in May and the member for Fannie Bay in July.

Dr Forrest said the company was excited to welcome Mr Gunner into the role.

“We see enormous potential in the Northern Territory, with abundant wind and solar energy, and a community enthusiastic to embrace renewable energy and the employment intensive industries that come with it,” he said.

“It is people like Michael Gunner who will help us ensure that our ambitions become a reality.”

Mr Gunner said ending the climate wars was a subject close to his heart and hoped he would be able to bring his previous work experience to the role.

“We must bring the same urgency to the climate change race to real zero that we did with the global Covid pandemic,” he said.

“Leading the FFI Northern Australia team means delivering world changing, economy building projects, acting with the pace an emergency demands to create local jobs, build partnerships with First Nations people, and make the green energy that reduces our reliance on fossil fuels.”

Michael Gunner hopes his new role will help ensure his sons’ futures. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Gunner had taken a period off work due to a restriction under the Ministerial Code of Conduct but said he was looking forward to getting back into it.

“Being able to take time off from working to be with my kids is a luxury many don’t get,” he said.

“I always knew I would have to go back to work – I also am guilty of enjoying work – but I need that work-life balance to be better than it was, and so does my wife.

“I also want my sons to see me being fulfilled and passionate about my work.”

He said he had taken the role in the hope of ensuring a brighter future for his and all of the Territory's children.

“And if I can also make a meaningful contribution to the world, do my bit to make it better – for them – then I know I’m not wasting that time I am away from them.

“I think this new job does that.”