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Death threats against NT chief's family

Aaron BunchAAP
Michael Gunner says anti-vaccine protesters have made death threats against his family.
Camera IconMichael Gunner says anti-vaccine protesters have made death threats against his family. Credit: AAP

Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner has fought back tears as he detailed death threats made against his family by anti-vaccination protesters.

Police have launched multiple investigations following a number of incidents in recent months.

The threats were allegedly triggered by the NT government's vaccine mandate for workers, which was announced on October 13.

"I have (had death threats) on a number of occasions," Mr Gunner told reporters on Wednesday.

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"Not just me, my family. I've been told my kid will be put in a grave."

Mr Gunner said he respected the right to protest but some people had gone down a "rabbit hole" and become deluded.

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said multiple complex investigations were underway.

"Once we make a criminal benchmark you can be very reassured that we will take action," he said.

He said some of the alleged perpetrators were interstate and overseas.

He also confirmed that other NT politicians had also received threats but declined to release specifics, saying he did not want to encourage copycat incidents.

"I'll call it for what it is: complete, utter cowardice," he said.

"And that's how the Territory community should be treating this nonsense."

The NT government's vaccine mandate required most workers to get their first vaccine jab by November 13.

The health directive triggered ongoing weekly protests in Darwin, which have often turned violent and led to people being charged.

About 400 public servants have been sacked for failing to get their first jab.

The NT parliament's public galleries have been closed in recent days due to security threats.

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