Chief Minister Michael Gunner stands by decision to not reappoint former political rival Tracey Hayes as Darwin Waterfront Corporation chair

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has stood by his decision not to reappoint the former chair of Darwin Waterfront Corporation Tracey Hayes, who ran against him in the NT election.

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has stood by his decision not to reappoint the former chair of Darwin Waterfront Corporation Tracey Hayes, who ran against him in the NT election.

The NT government has insisted Ms Hayes resigned from her job as chair of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation.

Ms Hayes said she left the job only as it was required under legislation in order to run in the election, but was hopeful she would be reinstated if unsuccessful.

“It’s up to the good grace of the government as to whether (she was reappointed); unlike public servants who have legislature protections to get your job back, board appointments are not like that,” Ms Hayes said.

Country Liberals president Jamie de Brennie said it was disappointing Ms Hayes’s forced departure as chair of the Darwin Waterfront Corporation was used as an opportunity to not reappoint her.

Mr de Brennie said he hoped the decision not to reappoint Ms Hayes to the role was not petty politics.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner and former CLP candidate for Fannie Bay and Darwin Waterfront chairwoman Tracey Hayes.

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“That’s something he (Mr Gunner) would have to answer at a personal level,” he said.

“It’s very disappointing that this opportunity was used with 12 months still remaining on the contract to make a change, which the reasoning can only be answered by the Chief Minister himself,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Mr Gunner said: “Ms Hayes resigned from her position at the Waterfront on the 31st of July last year. As a result of her resignation, the government appointed Richard Fejo.

“He will be an outstanding chair of the Waterfront ­Corporation.”

Under current legislation, anyone running in an NT election must resign from public jobs; public servants are granted the right to get their job back if unsuccessful, but those who sit on boards are not guaranteed their old role.

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Mr de Brennie wished Mr Fejo, the new chair, luck in the role.

“We wish Mr Fejo all the best with his position and hopefully he can keep up the good work done by Tracey as the Territory needs it more than ever,” he said.

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