‘Absolute garbage’: Tensions rise at NT leaders debate

TEMPERS flared during the first NT political leaders debate ahead of the election when Chief Minister Michael Gunner was accused of using coronavirus to scaremonger votes

Terry Mills, Michael Gunner and Lia Finocchiaro went head-to-head in the first leader’s debate of the election

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CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has been accused using the coronavirus pandemic to scaremonger votes ahead of this month’s election.

Mr Gunner copped a grilling about his choice to centre Labor’s election campaign on his handling of the coronavirus crisis during Monday’s leaders debate on Mix 104.9.

“The CLP asked to throw open the borders in June, and Territory Alliance said the border was unnecessary,” Mr Gunner said.

CLP Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro interjected, and a shouting match ensued after she accused the Chief Minister of scaremongering voters.

“We always said if the borders were to open it would be with police at the borders and with statutory declarations to track who’s coming in,” she said.

“There were no hot spots during that month (June); you are simply scaremongering.”

Mr Gunner hit back and said: “You ignored health advice!”

Ms Finocchiaro responded: “I cannot believe you just said that! A person in your position should not be misleading Territorians.”

Territory Alliance leader Terry Mills said his position had always been to establish a bubble with jurisdictions with no community transmission.

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“The Chief Minister’s obviously put all his eggs in this basket and his biggest hope is that people will give him a round of applause for doing a good job of handling the pandemic,” he said.

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