Michael Gunner

Michael Patrick Francis Gunner (6 January 1976—) is an Australian politician and was the 11th Chief Minister of the Northern Territory from 2016 to 2022.

Gunner was born in Alice Springs in 1976, the eldest of four children, and went to school in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Darwin. He began a law degree at Northern Territory University (now Charles Darwin University), later completing a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Gunner went on to work as a senior government ministerial and policy adviser between 2001 and 2008 to former Chief Minister Clare Martin; after her retirement in 2008, he won her Fannie Bay seat for Labor and was elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly. He was elected unopposed as Leader of Territory Labor in 2015. 

In the 2016 Territory election, Gunner led Territory Labor to one of the most comprehensive election victories on record at the state or territory level in Australia; in 2020, Territory Labour won again, albeit with a reduced margin, after their campaign focussed heavily on Labor's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Gunner advocated for the right of the Northern Territory to self-legislate on voluntary euthanasia, writing to both Prime Minister Scott Morrison as well the opposition leader Anthony Albanese demanding the federal law be changed:

“I have asked the federal government to repeal its powers over us under the Northern Territory (Self Government) Act, which denies Territorians the right to pass laws that are important to them. If this were to occur, we could then begin a process to address this issue, including community and expert consultation, drafting legislation and eventually a conscience vote in the parliament.” (Hall, 2021).

On 10 May 2022, Gunner announced his resignation from his positions as the NT Chief Minister and Treasurer, citing a desire to spend more time with his family; two and a half months later, Gunner announced his resignation as the member for Fannie Bay. 

Gunner is married with two sons. 

(via Wikipedia)

Hall, J. (2021, January 19). NT chief minister Michael Gunner wants power to vote on assisted dying legislation. News.com.au. https://www.news.com.au/national/northern-territory/nt-chief-minister-michael-gunner-wants-power-to-vote-on-assisted-dying-legislation/news-story/4ea65678da969eff04f239e5785e30f1