Gunner asks advice on Independents

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has asked the Remuneration Tribunal how to resource the five independent MLAs to better scrutinise his government.

It comes after calls this week from four independents to “start a conversation” about adopting governance models other than the Westminster system.

They argued the job of holding the government to account was too big for the two-member CLP and the decision to install them as the official Opposition was premature.

The Opposition is provided extra resources for staff and key tasks such as research and communications so members are better equipped for debate.

Mr Gunner asked tribunal Chair Michael Martin to look at ways of resourcing the independents to better help the CLP in its task.

“Due to the composition of elected members in the Legislative Assembly, the Opposition must share the responsibility of 19 shadow portfolios between two MLAs,” Mr Gunner wrote.

“I am of the view that resources should be made available to improve their ability to scrutinise Government. On that basis, I would value the advice of the tribunal on an appropriate level of resources the Government could provide to the independent MLAs.

“I would anticipate that such resources would primarily provide policy research in regards to issues before the Parliament.”

But the four independents united in their concern — Robyn Lambley, Yingiya Mark Guyula, Terry Mills and Gerry Wood — were asking for new models of governance, not merely more resourcing.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison batted away the suggestion.

“I believe the Westminster system works and we’ve got a good system here in the Northern Territory,” she said.

The tribunal is expected to report back this week.