Chief Minister Michael Gunner calls on CLP to provide evidence of cocaine sex scandal allegations
CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has called on the Opposition leader to provide evidence of allegations that Territory Labor members are implicated in a cocaine sex scandal, as claims continue to dog the party. HEAR THE AUDIO
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CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has called on Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro to provide evidence of allegations that Territory Labor members are implicated in a cocaine sex scandal, as claims continue to dog the party.
Speaking on ABC Darwin this morning, Mr Gunner once again referred to the allegations as “rumours” and “gossip” and said if Ms Finocchiaro had evidence of the allegations, she should “elevate” them by taking them to the police.
“I will be really clear – an allegation without evidence remains gossip,” he said.
“If the leader of the Opposition has something to say, she should say it.
“If she has evidence, she should bring it forward.
“In fact, if she has evidence of any criminal activity, don’t call a press conference, call the police – and she’ll have my full support.”
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It comes as pressure builds on Mr Gunner, including from within his own party, to address the allegations.
NT Labor president Erina Early, speaking on Mix 104.9 radio on Monday, said “anything that could impact the integrity of the party” needed to be addressed.
“If he doesn’t address them people will jump up and down,” she said.
The NT News can confirm it has seen text messages sent between the people involved in the scandal and confirmed the veracity of the incident with multiple sources.
It is understood the incident occurred on NT election night last year and that one of the people involved sent pictures of certain body parts to another.
Ms Finocchiaro, in a press conference on Monday pre-empting the upcoming parliamentary sittings starting today, said Mr Gunner had “serious questions to answer” about “serious criminal allegations” that had been put forward.
“He needs to come clean and explain to Territorians what he knows and what is going on to restore the integrity of the parliament and the government,” she said.
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NT Police has been contacted for comment about whether or not it is investigating the incident.
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