Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling has been charged with two counts of assault against Northern Territory administrator David Connolly, following an incident at a cultural festival in Darwin on 18 July. NT police confirmed the arrest on Thursday morning, stating that the 54-year-old member for Solomon was subsequently bailed to appear before Darwin local court on 1 September.
Details of the Incident
The alleged assault occurred at a cultural festival in Darwin, where Connolly, whose role is akin to a state governor, was reportedly involved. Police said Gosling was arrested on Thursday and charged with two counts of assault on the administrator. Gosling, a former military officer and the federal government's special envoy for defence, veterans' affairs and northern Australia, has previously denied any altercation with Connolly, calling the claims “ridiculous allegations that I categorically deny”.
Gosling's Response
In a social media statement on Thursday afternoon, Gosling said he was focused on his duties as a territory MP. “I can't say much because the matter is before the courts, but it's been a strange morning, to say the least. I've got a job to do, and I'll be working hard, as always, to serve the people of Darwin and Palmerston,” he wrote. He thanked supporters for their messages of support for him and his family.
Legal and Political Reactions
Gosling's lawyer, Marty Aust, stated that the charges are “completely and utterly denied and will be contested”. He expressed concern that police used the power of arrest instead of issuing a summons or notice to appear. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal process. Liberal senator James Paterson, shadow minister for defence, called on Albanese to stand Gosling down from his envoy role, describing the allegations as “incredibly serious”. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, representing the NT, also called for Gosling to be stood down, noting the troubling nature of an elected leader being arrested for an alleged assault on the King's representative.
