Labor dumps Turner two years after scandal

A statement released on Thursday afternoon by Territory Labor said the party had notified Mr Turner “of their decision to not renew his party membership”.The statement said the decision followed “an unsuccessful discussion” with Mr Turner “regarding his intentions to abide by the rules of the Territory Labor Constitution”. The statement said Mr Turner’s breaches included: * Voting contrary to a decision of the Parliamentary Labor Party* Failure to pay his outstanding parliamentary levy.Territory Labor president Anthony Venes said Mr Turner’s inability to follow party rules was at the heart of his dumping.“This decision comes following a lengthy process where it became obvious that Mr Turner couldn’t abide by our rules and his renewal of membership will not be accepted,” Mr Venes said.“Territory Labor remains committed to representing the constituents of Blain and we will soon begin our preselection process for a new member to run in the 2024 election”.The saga began just days after the 2020 NT election when the former policeman took the seat from Territory Alliance MLA and former chief minister Terry Mills.In early 2021 after a report in the Sunday Territorian, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro called on then chief minister Michael Gunner to investigate the so-called “cocaine sex scandal”.The reports involved allegations of cocaine use and a consensual relationship with a woman who was not his wife. Mr Turner denied cocaine use and was later cleared by an NT parliamentary committee. In response to Ms Finocchiaro’s questions, Mr Gunner told parliament he had lost confidence in Mr Turner, despite being satisfied there had been no illegal activity.The following month, the Territory Labor Party voted not to boot Turner from the party.Since then, Mr Turner has been a constant thorn in the side of his own party. In March he questioned why the government was reviewing bail laws and police powers in the wake of the tragic death of a bottle-shop employee.The CLP on Thursday said the decision lacked “integrity”.“It’s taken Labor two years to make this decision, again it shows they have no integrity,” a spokeswoman said. “Voters of Blain know that a vote for Mark Turner is a vote for Natasha Fyles and her failures.“Blain voters will judge him on his record supporting this disastrous Labor government.”Mr Turner has been contacted for comment and indicated he was seeking legal advice before speaking publicly. The next Territory election is due in August next year.



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