Finocchiaro calls on Gunner to address allegations Labor members involved in cocaine sex scandal

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has been forced to address “serious allegations” that Labor party members are embroiled in a cocaine sex scandal.

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro has called on Mr Gunner to respond to the “serious allegations.”

• Darwin abuzz about Territory political party member implicated in a cocaine sex scandal

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has been forced to address “serious allegations” that Labor party members are embroiled in a cocaine sex scandal.

It comes after Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro called on Mr Gunner to “publicly address” the issue, saying she was aware of “serious allegations involving members of Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s Territory Labor Party”.

“In the interests of protecting the integrity of the government and parliament of the NT, I am calling on the Chief Minister to publicly address these allegations,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

It f ollowed a Bushranger report in the Sunday Territorianwhich implicated a Territory political party member in the incident, believed to have taken place on election night.

It is understood one of the people involved had been too cavalier about sending out pictures of certain body parts.

In a statement to the NT Newson Sunday, Mr Gunner said: “My job is to serve Territorians. The CLP can fixate on rumours and innuendo if they want but my focus is on Territory lives and jobs.

“We are working with the Australian government to keep the Territory the safest place in the country and keep our economy open, as we continue the fight against this global pandemic. Our primary focuses include the safe rollout of a COVID-19 vaccination program in the Territory and the expansion of the Howard Springs Centre for National Resilience.”

EDITORIAL: SCANDAL WILL CAUSE POLITICAL PROBLEMS FOR GUNNER AND LABOR

It is understood Mr Gunner’s office became aware of the allegations last week.

A member of the Labor Party told the NT News the scandal was an unwanted distraction. “We’re into a new term of government and something like this is not helpful to what we’re trying to achieve,” they said.

Independent MLA Robyn Lambley said she was considering asking Mr Gunner some curly questions when the first parliamentary sittings for 2021 kicked off tomorrow.

However, she said she was hoping she wouldn’t have to.

“The right thing for him to do is to provide a full explanation and for those involved to be thrown out,” Ms Lambley said. “These matters just don’t go away.”

The NT Newsfirst made contact with two of the people allegedly involved last ­Tuesday. They have yet to respond to calls or text messages.

Senior party sources said it would be difficult for the people involved to keep their jobs within the party.

Mr Gunner is due to deliver his “Year Ahead” speech today.