Disgraced Blain MLA Mark Turner will be investigated by parliamentary committee after govt sides with CLP
DISGRACED Blain MLA Mark Turner will be investigated by the parliamentary committee that looks into serious and bad behaviour after the government sensationally supported a move to make it happen
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DISGRACED Blain MLA Mark Turner will find out if he’s guilty of misleading parliament by May, after the government sensationally sided with the CLP to trigger an investigation.
Mr Turner, who was last week booted from Labor caucus for lying about his extramarital affair, has been accused by the Opposition of contempt with the CLP yesterday requesting the matter be investigated by the parliament’s privileges committee.
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The CLP alleged that Mr Turner misled parliament by saying, in his mea culpa last week, that he did not “condone illegal activity” when text messages would later show he was unconcerned by his lover’s use of illicit drugs.
The CLP also alleged that Mr Turner failed to disclose he had a physical relationship with the woman and only noted in his speech that they had “exchanged general conversation, banter, jokes and some intimate conversation”.
Thirdly, the CLP alleged Mr Turner lied when he said during the speech that he had the Chief Minister’s support because Michael Gunner later revealed the statement had been altered without his knowledge.
The government supported the move and the committee, chaired by Minister Natasha Fyles, will report back on its decision by May 6 at the latest.
Under the NT’s Legislative Assembly laws, which are tied to the Commonwealth’s version of the privileges Act, the committee can find MLAs in contempt.
It is an offence punishable by a maximum of six months in prison or a fine of up to $5000, with the Speaker to mete out the sentence.
An offence against the House must amount or is “intended or likely to amount, to an improper interference with the free exercise by a House or committee of its authority or functions, or with the free performance by a member of the member’s duties as a member”.
Mr Turner was approached for comment.
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The CLP’s Marie-Clare Boothby, who moved the motion in parliament, said the investigation was needed to give Territorians faith that they “can put their faith into the high standards that are expected of (MLAs)”.
Ms Boothby called on the Blain MLA to resign and “take responsibility for his actions”.
The government did not provide comment on the matter.
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