‘Extremely angry’ Chief Minister Michael Gunner sets sex scandal record straight, blaims Blain MLA for failing to front up with truth

AN ‘extremely angry and disappointed’ Chief Minister Michael Gunner has laid the blame for the scandal plaguing his government at the feet of the expelled Blain MLA and a former staffer

AN “extremely angry and disappointed” Chief Minister Michael Gunner has laid the blame for the scandal plaguing his government at the feet of the expelled Blain MLA and a former staffer, saying it would have been handled differently if they had not lied and kept him in the dark.

Mr Gunner, in his strongest statement on the issue yet, confirmed he had been made aware of the “rumours” early in the week of February 8 — at least six days after senior staff were first notified.

But he said Blain MLA Mark Turner had withheld and denied the existence of text messages exchanged with the woman at the centre of the scandal and had failed to be honest with staffers “on multiple occasions”.

MORE RELATED NEWS

‘Greatly disappointed’: female Labor MLAs denounce scandalised Blain MLA Mark Turner

Chief Minister’s office told of scandal info on Feb 2, admit disgraced Blain MLA was given ‘advice’ to handle issue

Labor MLA Mark Turner’s cocaine indifference unmasked in new texts

Chief Minister Michael Gunner on the first sitting day of Parliament in 2021. Photograph: Che Chorley

In the statement, released exclusively to the Sunday Territorian, the Chief Minister suggests Mr Turner did not fess up until just before his mea culpa in parliament on Wednesday night and therefore there was “no evidence” to suggest it was anything more than “internet gossip and rumour” until that time.

Mr Turner could not be reached for comment.

The so-called “cocaine sex scandal” has dogged the government for a week and came to a head on Thursday following revelations police had been quietly investigating for two months.

Mr Gunner says he remains unaware of any evidence to suggest the Blain MLA or the staffer partook in illegal acts.

On that day Mr Turner was unanimously booted from caucus, though he has not been kicked out of the Labor Party or signalled if he will quit parliament.

Mr Mark Turner on the first sitting day of Parliament in 2021. Photograph: Che Chorley

It has also been revealed that staffers had provided “advice” to Mr Turner on how to deal with the issue.

The woman, as reported on Saturday, was adamant Mr Turner never forced her to say anything and that he had been told by government staffers “exactly what to do” since he was made aware the information could be made public.

Mr Gunner said he firmly rejected any suggestion his team had advised the Blain MLA how to “cover-up information” at any stage.

“In relation to the handling of this matter by members of my staff, I am satisfied that it was dealt with professionally and appropriately,” he said.

HOT NEW DEAL: $1 for 28 days subscription offer

“Had the two former members of my team been honest and forthcoming earlier, we would have handled this differently and this would have included acting early and publicly.

“I am extremely angry and disappointed in the behaviour of former members of my team in relation to this matter.”

Mr Gunner said the rest of his team was “equally angry” about what occurred.