Northern Territory police have charged federal Labor MP Luke Gosling with one count of breaching bail conditions, less than a month after he was arrested over the alleged assault of the Territory's administrator, David Connolly.
Gosling was charged with two counts of assault over an incident that allegedly occurred at a cultural festival in Darwin on 18 July. He appeared before the Darwin local court on 31 July and was released with several bail conditions.
Alleged breach on 14 August
Police released a statement on Tuesday afternoon alleging Gosling had breached one of those bail conditions on 14 August. “The Northern Territory Police Force has charged the federal member for Solomon, Luke Gosling, with one count of breach of bail,” NT police said. “Today he was served with a summons to appear in Darwin local court on 30 September 2026.”
A spokesperson for Gosling said the MP would be discussing the matter with his legal team and defending the charge. “Neither Mr Gosling or his office have been made aware of the nature of the alleged breach and have been provided no information from police other than a summons. On Friday 14th August Mr Gosling did not attend any events at the same time as the administrator.”
Background and bail conditions
The 54-year-old was elected the member for Solomon in 2016, representing Darwin and Palmerston in the Northern Territory. A former military officer, he is the special envoy for defence, veterans’ affairs and northern Australia.
Gosling’s bail conditions included staying at least 50 metres from the administrator’s house, and he was required to provide Connolly’s office with 48 hours’ notice for any event where the pair would both be in attendance. If the two men were at the same event, the conditions also stated Gosling must remain at least 15 metres from Connolly. The administrator has a similar function to a state governor.
Assaulting an administrator while they are performing official duties carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail under NT law.
Political reactions
The prime minister was contacted for comment. Gosling has previously denied the allegations and denied having any altercation with Connolly. After his arrest, Gosling wrote on social media that he would focus on his job. He attended parliament in Canberra during the last sitting fortnight. “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 on 30 July.
The shadow minister for defence, James Paterson, has again called on Albanese to stand Gosling down from his envoy role after the latest charge. “Anthony Albanese’s judgment has been exposed again. He should have immediately stood Luke Gosling aside as special envoy when he was first charged with assault,” Paterson told Guardian Australia. “Now police allege Mr Gosling has breached bail. Surely this is enough for the prime minister to admit he got it wrong and immediately stand down his special envoy until this matter is resolved.”
The leader of the opposition, Angus Taylor, also called for Gosling to be stood down, and said “the case for the prime minister to act is even stronger”.
