In case you missed it, here’s a two-minute rundown of this week’s top stories: From the Gunner Government’s abolishment of the legislative scrutiny committee, to the Chief Minister rebuking a journalist for questioning his decision to scrap integrity measures, to the Territory Alliance ditching their only elected representative, and to the tragic death of a motorcyclist who was hit by a stolen vehicle occupied by five youths in Alice Springs.
‘You have fogged up’: Gunner cops heat in Parliament for scrapping integrity measures
The Opposition CLP and Territory Alliance used the first sittings of the new Parliament to attack the Gunner Government over its move to scrap integrity measures it introduced in 2016 that it said would “restore trust in government”.
Leader of Government Business Natasha Fyles moved to introduce new sessional orders – the rules the Parliament operates under – that included scrapping the legislative scrutiny committee and giving the Labor Government more time to ask itself questions in Question Time, thereby reducing opposition questions.
‘Stop! Stop! Stop!’: Gunner rebukes journalist for questioning his response
A visibly angry Chief Minister Michael Gunner demanded a journalist stop asking questions at a press conference Friday afternoon after she said his explanation for scrapping the legislative scrutiny committee “doesn’t pass the pub test”.
Mr Gunner grew frustrated after a series of questions about his government’s blackflip on one of its key integrity measures introduced in 2017 to “restore trust in government” and provide “more scrutiny on government, and to [insure] open and transparent government”.
Territory Alliance dumps Lambley from party – Lambley returns serve, says she will resign from ‘debacle’
Territory Alliance has helped make up Member for Araluen Robyn Lambley’s mind on whether to leave the party by moving to boot her out, but she hit back announcing her resignation as their only elected representative.
The party management committee held a meeting Tuesday and sent an expulsion letter to Ms Lambley – its only elected member – Wednesday morning that will provide her with an opportunity to explain her actions at a meeting with the committee or be expelled.
Mysterious legal issue stops council’s RSL vote – not sacred site, as aldermen stay quiet
Darwin Mayor Kon Vatskalis’s sudden deferral of a crucial council vote on the RSL’s proposed Esplanade establishment was influenced by an undisclosed letter of a legal nature – not solely over claims of an Indigenous sacred site, the NT Independent can reveal.
Concerns have also been raised about council’s willingness to go along with Tuesday night’s deferral motion, that may have breached bylaws and which has led to elected aldermen bizarrely refusing to explain to the public if they even voted.
Alice Springs motorcyclist dies in hospital as charges for five youths upgraded
An Alice Springs motorcyclist who was struck by an allegedly stolen car last week has died in hospital, NT Police have confirmed.
47-year-old special needs care provider Shane Powell was left in critical condition after being hit by the allegedly stolen vehicle occupied by a group of five youths and was on life support for the last week until it was turned off today. The tragedy made it to the floor of Parliament where the Chief Minister was called on to explain why he didn’t take quicker action to deal with the town’s spiralling crime problem.
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