Despite Territory politicians being listed by the Chief Health Officer as “essential workers” during a lockdown, parliamentary sittings have been cancelled this week with no make-up dates currently planned.

Speaker Ngaree Ah Kit told the NT Independent the decision to cancel the scheduled sittings was based on a “risk assessment” that took into account the possibility “for spreading infection” in the 25-seat unicameral Parliament.

“Following a risk assessment, the decision to cancel the second week of Assembly meetings was made,” Ms Ah Kit said, without indicating who had made that decision.

“Parliament House is also closed to all but essential workers.”

Ms Ah Kit would not say if Parliament had investigated using tele-conference services to continue government business during the lockdown.

“A meeting of the Assembly involves the interaction of many people from across the Territory and thereby poses significant risks for spreading infection,” she said.

“The Assembly established temporary measures to control these risks for urgent sittings last year and will continue to respond appropriately to enable it to operate as effectively and freely as possible having regard to such risks.”

It was unclear why those same “temporary measures” could not be enacted this week.

The first week of a scheduled fortnight of sittings were an acrimonious affair, with heated debate over the Gunner Labor Government’s handling of the Darwin Turf Club grandstand scandal, its crime policies and concerns about the current state of emergency at Royal Darwin Hospital, amid personal jabs, multiple politicians having their feelings hurt and censure motions against the government.

Only one actual piece of legislation was passed during the week – the Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s proposed reforms to reduce bureaucratic red tape – highlighting the government’s lack of substantial business to address during the scheduled sittings this week.

Independent Member for Araluen Robyn Lambley called the lockdown “convenient for the government”.

“The Government is probably relieved they don’t have to front up this week. Anything to escape scrutiny,” she said.

“COVID is the gift that keeps on giving for this lazy government. They have managed COVID well. They have not managed much else well.”

Opposition CLP Leader Lia Finocchiaro said while the health and safety of Territorians had to be “our number one priority”, this lost week of parliamentary sittings should be rescheduled as soon as possible.

“Top Enders are focused on getting through this lockdown and are doing an amazing job following the advice from the Chief Health Officer,” she said. “We hope that means lockdown can be lifted soon.

“Once that happens, Parliament should be rescheduled immediately.

“We still have a raft of questions to hold the Government to account on – and my team and I are ready to ramp up the pressure on the Gunner Government over its gifting of $12 million for the dodgy grandstand deal, it’s decision to pay Don Dale detainees $35 million in compensation and then try to hide that figure from Territorians, its disgraceful failures on law and order reform, and the RDH Code Yellow crisis.

“In fact, [today] is the deadline for our 200 written questions to Labor about Cabinet’s approval of the $12 million grandstand grant. We’ll be waiting for those crucial answers.”

The cancelled sittings will also mean CLP Member for Daly Ian Sloan – who announced his shock retirement earlier this month – will not be giving his outgoing speech to Parliament ahead of a by-election in Daly that is yet to be made official.

Ms Ah Kit would not confirm when or if this week’s cancelled sittings would be rescheduled.

“The Chief Health Officer’s Directions indicate that Members of the Legislative Assembly are essential workers,” she said.

“Members are continuing to perform their essential duties addressing issues of concern within their electorates and other work in preparation for the meetings of the Assembly.”

The next scheduled sittings, as previously planned, will commence on September 21. It remains unclear whether this week of cancelled sittings will be rescheduled.