David Connolly, the incoming Northern Territory administrator, has issued a last-minute apology for past social media posts described as “racist” in parliament, as opposition to his swearing-in intensifies. The appointment has sparked calls from Aboriginal leaders and local politicians for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to rescind the nomination.
Connolly, a pastoralist and the King’s official representative in the territory, will take his oath on Friday. However, Aboriginal leaders have vowed to refuse to host him in remote communities, with Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan calling him “toxic”. More than 20 politicians and community leaders signed an open letter urging Albanese to “urgently rescind” the appointment.
The now-deleted posts included comments about Indigenous-lit bushfires, which Connolly described as “arson”, and earlier remarks while chair of the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association suggesting First Nations people were “the main group responsible” for crime. In a statement released Wednesday night, Connolly said: “I deeply regret the past social media posts I made; I never intended to cause offence. I am genuinely sorry for the hurt they may have caused.”
Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who will swear Connolly in, said she was “pleased to see” the apology but declined to comment on the appointment, citing her role’s restraint. She added that she has always shown respect to First Nations people and women’s organisations. The NT government, which recommended Connolly, has stood by its choice, while Albanese said he would not have chosen him but supports the territory’s right to decide.
The NT parliament has blocked protesters from gathering outside during the ceremony. Labor and independent members plan to boycott, though Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro noted they were not invited. The swearing-in will proceed despite ongoing controversy.
