Labor Party consider options to expel disgraced Blain MLA Mark Turner
EXECUTIVES of Territory Labor will meet in two weeks to decide whether to expel disgraced Blain MLA Mark Turner from the party
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EXECUTIVES of Territory Labor will meet in two weeks to decide whether to expel disgraced Blain MLA Mark Turner from the party.
Mr Turner, who has been embroiled in a “cocaine sex” scandal, retains his membership in the Australian Labor Party (NT branch) despite getting booted from the Labor caucus by Chief Minister Michael Gunner last week.
The scandal is expected to come to a fiery head on Tuesday as parliament resumes for sittings but it remains unclear if the Blain MLA will show his face.
Mr Gunner wants Mr Turner out of Labor altogether but said it was a matter for the party’s administrative wing.
Territory Labor president Erina Early confirmed on Monday she had received a letter from the Chief Minister requesting that consideration be given to removing the MLA from the party.
“Action to expel any party member is complex and must be done within the party’s democratic processes and follow the rules of our branch,” Ms Early said.
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“The executive members of the NT ALP have agreed to seek legal advice on the options available to the ALP NT administrative committee for discussion when they next meet, on March 8.
“No further comment will be provided.”
It is unclear if the member for Blain intends to continue to serve his electorate as an independent crossbencher or step down altogether if he is expelled from Labor.
Speaker Ngaree Ah Kit confirmed on Monday office had not received a notice of resignation from the MLA.
Numerous attempts have been made to contact Mr Turner for comment. His wife works in his electorate office.
Mr Gunner on Monday said Mr Turner, a former policeman and father of five, lost his trust after failing to be honest with him about the extent and nature of his relationship with the woman at the centre of the scandal.
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Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro criticised Mr Gunner for not calling on the disgraced MLA to resign from parliament.
“While it may take Labor two more weeks to decide the fate of the disgraced member for Blain, the Chief Minister has abandoned the people of Bellamack, Woodroffe, Rosebery and Moulden,” she said.
“The member for Blain has a clear-cut decision: either put his constituents first and resign or remain in parliament with this permanent stain on his – and the Chief Minister’s reputations.”
There is no allegation of any criminal wrong doing against Mr Turner.
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