Controversial Pastoralist David Connolly Appointed as Northern Territory Administrator
The appointment of David Connolly as the next administrator of Australia's Northern Territory has sparked significant controversy and debate across the region. The prominent pastoralist, known for his outspoken views on various social and political issues, is set to move into Government House in Darwin within days, despite facing criticism from Indigenous leaders and political figures.
Outspoken Views and Social Media Controversy
Connolly has previously described himself as someone who doesn't worry about causing offence, having been labelled with numerous derogatory terms including "bigoted", "racist", and "homophobic" during his public career. In a 2023 speech to the Northern Territory Cattleman's Association conference, he acknowledged these criticisms with characteristic bluntness, suggesting some of the less serious accusations might have come from his wife at home.
The controversy surrounding his appointment centres on past social media posts and public statements that have drawn widespread condemnation. In one instance, Connolly made a joke about domestic violence in relation to the Greens political party, while in another he made contentious remarks about Indigenous fire management practices, describing them as "arson" rather than traditional land management.
Political Criticism and Indigenous Concerns
Indigenous leaders and Labor politicians have been particularly vocal in their opposition to Connolly's appointment. The chair of the Northern Land Council, Matthew Ryan, has stated he would refuse to engage with Connolly if the appointment proceeds, while Aboriginal Peak Organisations of the NT have called for the appointment to be blocked entirely.
Three federal Labor MPs from the territory released a joint statement describing Connolly's social media posts as "reprehensible and offensive" and demanding an apology. However, they stopped short of calling for the appointment to be rescinded, acknowledging the territory's right to choose its own administrator without interference from Canberra.
Historical Context and Symbolic Significance
Robyn Smith, a lecturer in colonial history at Charles Darwin University, highlights the deeper symbolic issues at play. With Indigenous rights covering approximately 78% of northern Australia's land mass and pastoral use covering about 60% of the same area, the conflict between pastoral and Indigenous interests has long been central to land rights movements in the region.
Smith suggests that appointing an outspoken pastoralist who has opposed both the voice referendum and treaty processes sends a clear political message about priorities and allegiances. "The Country Liberal party has always been about land and money," Smith observes. "That's what the administrator-designate represents - the pastoral interest on that land."
Connolly's Changing Tone
In response to the growing controversy, Connolly has recently adopted a more conciliatory tone. In a statement released to local media outlets, he acknowledged that causing offence had not been his intention and expressed understanding of community expectations regarding his new role.
"I fully understand and appreciate the expectations of the community and my role as administrator," Connolly stated. "I have always been a fierce advocate for the bush and will now be a fierce advocate for all Territorians." He described his former social media posts as belonging to a time when becoming administrator "was not even in my wildest dreams."
Ceremonial Role with Potential Influence
While the administrator's position is largely ceremonial and nonpartisan, serving as the territory's equivalent to a state governor as the crown's representative, experts suggest the role carries significant potential for "soft diplomacy." Through hosting events and advocating for particular interests, administrators can exercise influence despite the position's formal limitations.
The appointment comes with residence in one of Darwin's most significant properties - the oldest European building in the territory, a gothic villa that has survived bombing raids and cyclones throughout its history. Previous administrators have also faced accusations of political bias, with the current incumbent having submitted pro-Labor views before the 2024 federal election, while a predecessor made donations to the Country Liberal Party.
As Connolly prepares to assume his new position, the controversy surrounding his appointment continues to highlight ongoing tensions between different interest groups in Northern Territory politics, particularly regarding land rights, Indigenous relations, and the appropriate boundaries of political expression for public officials.
