Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s office defends $7000 Nhulunbuy charter flight spend

THE Chief Minister’s office has defended a decision to spend more than $7300 for an overnight trip to Nhulunbuy in the lead-up to the election earlier this year

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THE Chief Minister’s office has defended a decision to spend more than $7300 for an overnight trip to Nhulunbuy in the lead-up to the election earlier this year.

Michael Gunner, accompanied by his wife Kristy O’Brien and newborn son Husdon, took a charter flight to Nhulunbuy on June 21.

The flight, which had six passengers, cost taxpayers $6999 alongside accommodation costs for the night ($315).

During his trip to Nhulunbuy, a photo was posted on Chief Minister Michael Gunner's social media of his son Hudson, wife Kristy O’Brien and himself during a healing ceremony held by Indigenous elders.

A spokeswoman from the Chief Minister’s office said the trip’s purpose was for various stakeholder meetings.

It included a meeting with the Regional Reconstruction Committee which Mr Gunner had recently appointed.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro has criticised the Mr Gunner for the pricey charter flight.

“It’s little wonder we have $8.4b debt with nothing to show for it,” she said.

The Chief Minister’s office said he had also attended the opening of the Buku Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and the opening of new campgrounds while in Nhulunbuy.

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They said he also met with ARDS (the Aboriginal Resource and Development Services), and with Carers NT at the new Residential Respite Facility.

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