The Chief Minister-elect of the Northern Territory, Michael Gunner, has held a media doorstop this morning to discuss his plans for forming a new Labor government.
“Government is not a right, it is a duty,” Gunner said. He stressed that his government would listen and consult with the community.
Gunner dismissed the suggestion of an immediate mini-Budget, saying this would put a brake on the territory’s economy.
The Labor leader said he would ensure that there was a properly resourced group of MPs who could act as an opposition in the new parliament. “I will do absolutely nothing to cripple accountability in the Northern Territory,” Gunner said.
Officially, the Country Liberal Party will lack party status in the new parliament. On current indications, the CLP is likely to have between 2 and 4 members, there are 3 independents, and the ALP will have between 16 and 19 members. A number of seats remain undecided and will not be clear until further counting has taken place.