NT Labor has decided a backbencher who allegedly lied about an extramarital affair won’t be stripped of his party membership despite “disappointing” behaviour.

March 9, 2021

A Northern Territory Labor backbencher won’t be turfed out of the party after allegedly lying about an extramarital affair.

Former policeman-turned-politician Mark Turner was deputy speaker and Labor’s caucus chair.

But the member for Blain was sacked and expelled from caucus last month, with Chief Minister Michael Gunner saying Mr Turner had been dishonest about the affair.

He was then referred to NT Labor’s administrative committee, which met late on Monday.

“The member for Blain’s conduct has been disappointing,” president Erina Early said after the meeting.

“Based on his actions he will be warned that behaviour like this in the future will not be tolerated.”

Ms Early said any further misconduct could lead to Mr Turner’s expulsion from the party.

Last month, Mr Gunner referred text messages linked to Mr Turner to the NT Independent Commissioner Against Corruption.

The messages had been the subject of local media reporting, which alleged Labor Party members were involved in a “cocaine sex scandal”.

Mr Turner denied the allegations, saying he had not engaged in any illegal activity.

However, he told parliament he was involved in an inappropriate consensual relationship with a woman.

Mr Gunner said at the time that Mr Turner “continues to act dishonestly” about his relationships and interactions with others.

“He has lost the trust of the caucus. He is no longer a member of Labor’s parliamentary team.”

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said Labor’s failure to cancel Mr Turner’s party membership sends a “disturbing message” that his alleged behaviour is acceptable.

She repeated her call for the member for Blain to resign from parliament.

“How can (Mr Turner) continue to represent his constituents at school assemblies, public functions or on the floor of parliament?” she said.

“The reality is, he can’t. The people of Blain deserve better.”