The Northern Territory’s incoming administrator, David Connolly, has come under intense scrutiny following the emergence of his past controversial statements, which include insulting the Prime Minister and claiming that First Nations people are “the main group responsible” for crime in the Top End.
Connolly, a former president of the NT Cattlemen’s Association, is set to begin his tenure as the territory’s administrator – the equivalent of a state governor – next month. However, his appointment has been met with significant criticism in Darwin after the unearthing of his past social media posts and public speeches.
In one post, Connolly made a joke about the Greens, referring to domestic violence. In another, he claimed that Indigenous people were “indiscriminately and illegally” lighting bushfires, stating that “if a white man did it, he would be severely fined.”
Furthermore, in a 2024 speech at the NT Cattlemen’s Association conference, Connolly launched a scathing attack on “left-wing” activists, environmentalists, the Voice referendum, and the territory’s efforts to establish a treaty with First Nations people. He also criticized several Labor politicians, particularly Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whom he accused of “lying” and having “soft policies on crime.”
Referring to a comment by former Chief Minister Eva Lawler that linked crime issues to Australia’s colonial history as a penal colony, Connolly said, “The main group of people perpetrating these criminal actions have been in Australia for 60,000 years. The English didn’t send them here. They are the product of failed policy and a soft-on-crime attitude.”
The director of the Centre for Public Integrity, Geoffrey Watson, has urged the government to “rethink” the appointment before Connolly moves into Government House, citing concerns about his past outspoken and critical stance towards politicians and certain policies.
NT Labor leader Selena Uibo has also expressed concerns, stating that the role of administrator requires someone who can “bring the territory together and represent all Territorians with integrity, respect and political neutrality.”
Connolly has yet to comment publicly on the emergence of his past statements, but reports suggest that the social media account where some of the controversial posts were made has since been deleted.
In December, after his appointment was announced, Connolly told the ABC’s Country Hour that he “certainly won’t be expressing any political opinion publicly.” However, his past remarks suggest a more outspoken and politically charged approach, which has raised doubts about his ability to fulfill the role in a unifying and impartial manner.
As the territory grapples with this developing situation, the appointment of David Connolly as the next NT administrator continues to generate significant debate and concern within the community.