Government backs delay of report into disgraced Labor MLA Mark Turner

The NT government says a report to parliament by its Privileges Committee into disgraced Labor MLA Mark Turner’s conduct has been put off until next year because of the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s investigation into Mr Turner.

Blain MLA Mark Turner. Picture: Che Chorley

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THE NT government says a report to parliament by its Privileges Committee into disgraced Labor MLA Mark Turner’s conduct has been put off until next year because of the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s investigation into Mr Turner.

The Leader of Government Business Natasha Fyles, who passed a surprise motion in parliament yesterday to delay the NT parliament’s disciplinary committee’s investigation, said the first sittings next year would be the new date.

“There is a corresponding investigation by the ICAC in the Northern Territory so the NT parliament’s Privileges Committee has sought an extension,” Ms Fyles said.

She denied the NT government was playing games to protect one of their own.

“Absolutely not,” she said.

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“The Privileges Committee is a very important committee of the NT parliament but there is another investigation by the ICAC and it has substantial powers and research capabilities.

“So the committee sought an extension from the House and that was granted. “

Mr Turner, who was embroiled in a ‘cocaine sex’ scandal, was referred to the NT parliament’s Privileges Committee in February after he was accused of misleading parliament.

The government sensationally sided with the CLP to trigger the investigation.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said at the time that Mr Turner had lost his trust and he and the Labor parliamentary team expelled Mr Turner from its caucus team.

Disgraced Member for Blain Mark Turner at the May Day march through the Darwin CBD. Picture: Glenn Campbell

However in an embarrassing slap in the face for the Labor Parliamentary team, the Party refused to follow its request to expel Mr Turner from the Labor Party.

The Independent Commissioner against Corruption had launched its investigation into Mr Turner in March.

As part of the investigation, the ICAC obtained three mobile phones and a laptop from the Blain MLA.