Territory Families among portfolios potentially in play with Dale Wakefield at risk of losing seat

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner says the makeup of his new Cabinet will be largely the same with the exception of a few portfolios to change hands

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CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner says the makeup of his new Cabinet will be largely the same with some portfolios expected to change hands including Housing and potentially even Territory Families and Renewables.

Mr Gunner said Territorians could expect “much of the same” from his government over the next four years, including when it came to his Cabinet ministry.

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“From me, you’ll see the same as you got last time,” he said.

“Let’s be clear, I think I have an excellent cabinet and I’ll be backing in the current Cabinet.”

The retirement of Gerry McCarthy in Barkly means the portfolios for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, and Public Employment will be up for grabs.

With Dale Wakefield at serious risk of losing in Braitling, her portfolios Territory Families and Renewables, Energy and Essential Services could also be in play.

“Obviously right now I feel for Dale in a very close contest, and we don’t know what that result is going to be but it’s looking very tough,” Mr Gunner said.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Treasurer Nicole Manison. Picture: Che Chorley

“Once I know who my caucus is and who everybody in the team is, I will then talk with the team, and we will look at announcing the new Cabinet and how they crack on with it.”

In a bid to hit the ground running, the Chief Minister held a press conference on Tuesday to announce $20 million for the next round of the Business Improvement Grant Scheme would be rolling out next Tuesday.

“From September 1, we’ve got two more grant schemes getting out, hitting the door and getting going,” he said.

“That’s the Business Rebound and Adaptation Grants scheme and the Immediate Works Grants scheme.

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“We’ve got to get that cash flowing. We want to help business rebound and adapt, we’ve got to help them survive what we’re going through and also prepare for the world after coronavirus.”

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