IN HIS WORDS: Chief Minister Michael Gunner on what happened through the sex scandal

READ: Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s full statement on the so-called “cocaine sex scandal” and setting the record straight

Chief Minister Michael Gunner sets the record straight on the sex scandal plaguing his government. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

I want to be clear with Territorians. I am extremely angry and disappointed in the behaviour of former members of my team in relation to this matter.

This has been dubbed a ‘cocaine and sex scandal’* by the Leader of the Opposition.

I remain unaware of evidence that shows, or even suggests, any former members of my team took part in illegal activity.

If anyone has any evidence to the contrary, please take it to the police. You will have my full backing.

I denounce in the strongest terms the use of illegal drugs.

What has become clear to me, is that former members of my team showed extremely poor judgment, and did not meet my standards, or the standards of my Caucus.

It has also become clear that the Member for Blain was not fully honest with me, or my team on repeated occasions when asked about the extent of his relationship with a private citizen which became the subject of gossip and rumour since February 2.

This included withholding and denying the existence of text messages he had exchanged with the private citizen.

The Member for Blain finally disclosed the extent of his relationship to me and fellow members of Caucus shortly before he addressed the parliament last Wednesday night.

The Member for Blain continued to act dishonestly without the knowledge of me or my team and was subsequently expelled from the Caucus.

In relation to the handling of this matter by members of my staff, I am satisfied that it was dealt with professionally and appropriately. Every workplace requires honesty and integrity in order to operate successfully.

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.

My team made me aware of the rumours early in the week of February 8 and at this time the rumours were still being denied.

I have already spoken to my Caucus off the back of this incident and reinforced my values and the importance of honesty.

They share and are committed to upholding these values and they are equally angry about what has occurred.

In relation to the advice that was offered to the Member for Blain by my team, let me be clear – Until late on Wednesday we were treating the Member as the subject of internet gossip and rumour and had no evidence to the contrary.

It was appropriate that we offered him advice on how publicly to handle this.

At no point, did any member of my team advise the Member for Blain on how to cover-up information. I strongly reject any suggestions to the contrary.

I want to assure Territorians that while this has been a distraction in the parliament, my focus has not deviated from keeping you safe and keeping our economy open.

Michael Gunner, NT Chief Minister

*EDITORIAL NOTE: The term “cocaine sex scandal” was first used by the Sunday Territorian last Saturday night when the Bushranger column went online.