Bushranger

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Chief in hiding

FEW journalists this week noted it was unusual for Chief Minister Michael Gunner not to let media know he was doing a speech at a Chamber of Commerce function in Darwin. Most popular theory for the media going round was that the chief was perhaps laying low over concerns Larrakia elder June Mills might give him another ear bashing after she gate crashed a presser last week.

Don’t eat your words

DEBATING the NT’s new Animal Protection Bill in NT parliament Tuesday arvo, Primary Industry and Resources Minister Ken

Vowles stumbled over the word “cephalopod”, a confusing long word for squid and octopuses. After failing to pronounce it three times, he shrugged and said “I don’t eat them”.

What’s in a name?

THIS week’s NT News street poll team came across a man by the name of Scott Long

cock. “Yes, I’ve heard all the jokes, every joke in the book about my name,” he told our reporter and photographer as he laughed along. Mr Longcock clearly had a good sense of humour though, when asked for his suburb he said he was from Malak near the corner of Karama, but would happily put down Fannie Bay if it made for a better headline. Good on you Scott, you always leave us smiling and satisfied.

Money talks

ISN’T it great when loudmouthed government lawyers wander the streets discussing confidential things on the phone. This week, one was loudly blabbing on about secret settlement negotiations. “You’re authorised to go to $285,000,” the lawyer said to one of his minions. If you happen to be in settlement negotiations with the government right now, you should also know you’ve got a strong case if it goes to trial.

Bushranger reckons you could squeeze it to a nice round $300k and then send a carton of beer our way.

Tony’s invasion gaffe

WHEN ex-PM Tony Abbott was appointed as a special envoy on Indigenous affairs it certainly raised a few eyebrows in the NT’s Aboriginal community. Bushie hears Tony did not help his cause this week when he arrived in Pukatja, one of South Australia’s most remote Aboriginal communities. Speaking to students, he reportedly shook hands and then began his speech with: “Thank you for putting up with the invasion.”

Sky no limit

MICHAEL Gunner and hangers-on are off to Japan and Vietnam this week spreading the good word about the NT. One of the stop offs in Vietnam will involve a screening of the “Boundless Possible” ad, dubbed into the local lingo. Bushranger is told it makes more grammatical sense in Vietnamese.

Sky no limit

BUSHRANGER hears this week might be the week we hear something more on the sale of SkyCity Darwin. Rumours have been circling for some time but we hear news of a sale might come within days. Staff at the casino are slightly apprehensive about what might happen but the word is if it is sold it could be one of the best things to happen in Darwin for many years. Stay tuned, readers.

Special visit

BUSY week for race calling legend Bruce

McAvaney ahead of this week’s Melbourne Cup Carnival. Bushie’s spies however spotted him in Darwin catching the red eye on Sunday night, arriving down south Monday morning. Surely this legend deserves business class?