Gunner off to US CM to press for investment

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner will head a delegation to the US this week to meet key defence, space and industrial leaders.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and state and territory leaders are flying to Washington to attend the US National Governors’ Association winter session and strengthen ties between the countries.

A spokesman for Mr Gunner said if a chance to raise domestic issues with the Prime Minister arose, the Chief Minister would take it.

“There are a number of issues we have on the agenda including the royal commission and the cities deal,” he said. “We have no one-on-ones planned with him but it may arise given he will be there.

“But primarily the themes for the visit are defence, space, renewables, technology and tourism.”

The delegation includes members of the Master Builders Association, the Chamber of Commerce NT and the chief executive of NT Airports Ian Kew, who is also chairman of Darwin’s Major Business Group.

Defence advocate retired Air Vice-Marshal Margaret Staib is also attending.

Ms Staib spent time working in the Pentagon.

During the visit, Mr Gunner and the delegation will meet defence and NASA officials and leading industrial companies, some of which have interests in the NT, including ConocoPhillips and Genesee & Wyoming.

“We want to engage with US decision makers and reaffirm the NT’s commitment to relations,” the spokesman said. “We also want to promote the Northern Australia development agenda and pipeline of investment proposals of interest to US investors and highlight opportunities for NT companies to export to and invest in the US economy.”