Mass Gunner Government staff exodus in post-election shake-up, others forced to take large pay cuts

ALMOST 30 people have left the Gunner Government’s staff and others are being forced to take massive pay cuts as part of a post-election shake-up

Chief Minister Michael Gunner with Health Minister Natasha Fyles, left, and Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison, right. Almost 30 people have left the Gunner Government’s staff since the August election. Picture: Che Chorley

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ALMOST 30 people have left the Gunner Government’s staff and others are being forced to take massive pay cuts as part of a post-election shake-up.

Many have been left furious at being left out in the cold after helping the Government to victory at the August election.

Sources have told the NT News at least 28 people have either been let go or have resigned in the past two months.

Others have been offered new positions, but in some cases they have been forced to take pay cuts of up to $40,000.

Every staff member was forced to reapply for their position as the Government implemented a major restructure after its election victory.

The restructure includes a centralised media unit – rather than the previous system that had a separate media adviser based in each minister’s office.

There has also been concern raised about the amount of experience that has walked out the door since the election victory.

Among those to walk away are senior advisers Jamie Gallacher, Charlie Phillips and Peter Wellings, who have decades of combined experience.

Critics of the restructure say it’s been driven by a desire for centralised control from the Chief Minister’s office.

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“Anyone who was willing to speak out or offer and alternative point of view has been shown the door,” one source said.

A spokeswoman for Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the reshuffle was merely “a standard staff recruitment process.”

“This is about making sure the Government can do the best possible job for Territorians,” the spokeswoman said.

She claimed ministerial staff were on contracts and not permanent positions.