property damage – Michmutters
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Michael Gunner’s office broken into in ‘personal’ attack days after resignation

The Northern Territory’s former chief minister Michael Gunner’s electorate office has been broken into days after he quit politics, in what he has described as the latest in a series of “personal” attacks.

According to NT Police, a 47-year-old man was arrested over the alleged unlawful entry and criminal damage of Mr Gunner’s office in the Darwin suburb of Parap.

Police received reports just after 4am this morning that a man had broken in and caused “extensive damage”.

“It was a very personal break in targeting photos of me and items of personal importance to me,” Mr Gunner — who stood down from his role as Member for Fannie Bay last week — said in a social media post.

“We’ll take advice from the police on what our next steps may need to be to keep my family safe.”

A broken window pane with posters attached to it leans against a metal pole.
A 47-year-old man is expected to be charged over the break-in. (ABC News: Janus Gibson)

Mr Gunner said the break-in was the latest in a series of targeted incidents against him.

“This appears to be a continuation of behavior from a range of fixed individuals that has seen a number of incidents not limited to my family abused, filmed and our personal address revealed,” he said.

The alleged offender was arrested a short time after the break-in, with charges expected to be laid later today.

A man in a navy suit with blue tie speaking at a lecture, two seated people watching in background
Michael Gunner believes a break-in at his electorate office was a ‘personal’ attack. (ABC New: Che Chorley)

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles also described the incident as a personal attack.

“Michael put his hand up and served our community for 14 years, he deserves now to have the opportunity to spend time with his family and feel safe in doing so,” she said.

“Sadly it’s something [safety] that all of us as members of parliament do consider.”

By-choice race heats up

Mr Gunner announced his resignation from politics in a speech to parliament last week, sparking a by-election in the seat of Fannie Bay, which has been held by several former chief ministers.

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