Former Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner has resigned from politics, two months after stepping down as Prime Minister.
Key Points:
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Michael Gunner announced his retirement from politics in a speech to parliament tonight
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He resigned as chief minister in May
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Mr Gunner’s departure will trigger a by-election in his Darwin seat of Fannie Bay
He did it this Wednesday night during a speech before the Legislative Assembly.
“Making the decision to stand down as a local member is more difficult than standing down as leader,” he told parliament.
“I have no plans yet, and I don’t see myself working again until the end of the year at the earliest.
“But my priorities are clear. My family comes first: supporting my wife, raising my children.”
Michael Gunner led Labor to two election victories in the Northern Territory. (ABC News: Michael Franchi)
Gunner resigned as Northern Territory chief minister in May, citing family considerations following the birth of her second child.
He underwent surgery in 2020 after suffering a heart attack.
“The people of Fannie Bay, Ludmilla and The Gardens deserve someone who can give them everything. I’ve always tried to do that,” he said.
“I don’t know any other way but to move on. It’s fair to say that my method wasn’t the healthiest approach to work-life balance.
“The heart attack could be described as a wake-up call.”
Gunner led Labor to the biggest election victory against a sitting government in the history of the Northern Territory in 2016. (AAP: Neda Vanovac)
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, who replaced Mr Gunner, issued a statement on Wednesday evening thanking Mr Gunner for his service to the Northern Territory.
“We thank Michael for his commitment to the Territory, for always putting the Territories first and his constant advocacy for the people of Fannie Bay,” he said.
“Under Michael’s leadership, our government has made record investments in health, education, housing and community safety [and] guided the Territory through the COVID-19 crisis.
“We wish Michael, Kristy, Hudson and Nash all the best for the future.”
Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said it had been an “immense privilege” to serve with Gunner.
“Thank you for making the Northern Territory a better place for everyone, especially those who don’t have the privilege of being born into a stable home or living with enough money to get by,” he said.
Michael Gunner says making the decision to stand down as a local member is more difficult than stepping down as boss. (ABC News: Michael Franchi)
Gunner became Labor leader in 2015 and was elected premier in 2016, following a landslide election victory that reshaped Northern Territory politics.
He led Labor to a second term in government in the 2020 Northern Territory election and was just shy of being the party’s longest-serving chief minister when he stepped down.
Gunner was first elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly in the Darwin hinterland seat of Fannie Bay in 2008.
His departure will trigger a by-election in the seat, which he held with a margin of 9.6 percent in the 2020 election.
When he stepped down as prime minister, Gunner said he would keep a low profile in politics and not take on any cabinet portfolios.
“I’m not looking for other jobs. I have a job, and it’s a great job. I’m the member of Fannie Bay,” he said at the time.