Gunner cops dollop of law and order in shuffle
Northern Territory Opposition Leader Delia Lawrie has announced a reshuffle of shadow portfolios, while denying the changes are an attempt to downgrade Michael Gunner.
Ms Lawrie has given Mr Gunner’s portfolios of Education and Government Accountability to Natasha Fyles and Ken Vowles.
She has passed Treasury on to deputy leader Gerry McCarthy.
Ms Lawrie takes on three new portfolios herself, to mirror the Government’s ministry.
They are: Northern Australia Development, Central Australia, and Business, Employment and Training.
Ms Lawrie says Mr Gunner still has the third-strongest suite of portfolios on the Labor benches, with Attorney General and Justice added to his responsibilities.
She says there has been no attempt to demote him after speculation he would challenge her for the party’s leadership.
“Oh, not at all,” she said.
“If you have a look at Michael Gunner’s portfolios, they are incredibly important.
“He has the law and order continuum.
“If anyone thinks there are not serious problems with law and order in the Territory, then they are kidding themselves.”