Open letter calls on PM to revoke NT Administrator appointment
Politicians, advocates and community groups have called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to immediately reverse the appointment of David Connolly as Northern Territory Administrator, as the Territory government defends the decision and protest plans draw security restrictions.
An open letter, sent on Monday, urged the Prime Minister to “immediately rescind” Mr Connolly’s appointment to restore public confidence.
Mr Connolly, a former Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association president, is due to be sworn in as the Territory’s 24th Administrator on Friday, after being nominated in December by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro.
The role, equivalent to a State governor, is intended to be politically neutral and carries a salary of $377,000.
Key Points
- Open letter asks PM to urgently rescind David Connolly’s appointment
- Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro nominated Connolly in December for Administrator
- Past social media posts sparked criticism from Indigenous and legal groups
- PM previously ruled out intervention, citing Territory government responsibility
- Signatories include Muirhead family, NAAJA, NLC representatives and others
The letter asked the Prime Minister to “urgently review the advice and process that led to this appointment” and to make public the “standards applied in assessing suitability for this constitutional role.”
Signatories included Tim, Janet and Richard Muirhead, children of former NT administrator James Muirhead — who last year urged Federal intervention in the NT over the CLP Government’s “regressive actions” — as well as the Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Commission, the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency, representatives of the Northern Land Council, the opposition, and the Country Women’s Association.
The letter argued the office is appointed on the advice of the Federal government to the Governor-General and said the Prime Minister’s role in Australia’s “constitutional framework” is “central.”
It stated that where “serious and sustained concerns” exist about suitability, responsibility remains with those who provide and maintain the advice under which the appointment stands.
It also said the Crown’s representative “must embody impartiality, restraint, dignity and respect for all Territorians,” and that when public confidence is “demonstrably undermined,” action is required to protect the integrity of the institution and the Crown’s representation in the Northern Territory.
Government position
Last month, Mr Albanese ruled out intervening to block the appointment, saying responsibility lies with the Territory government.
He said the Federal cabinet process agreed to the Northern Territory Government’s recommendation and there was no precedent for Commonwealth intervention.
The letter urged the Prime Minister to reconsider that response in light of the appointment process, which it said involves advice from the Federal government to the Governor-General.
NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has defended her decision. She said cross bench and opposition members were “making it a race issue.”
She also expressed that people should show respect for the office and that individuals can have personal views.
Reactions from Indigenous leaders
Independent MLA Yingiya Guyula endorsed the call for action. In comments to the NT News, he said leaders with publicly offensive views embolden prejudice and division.
He said the appointment symbolises a hostile environment towards Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory and contributes to feelings of exhaustion and powerlessness in efforts to change course.
Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan told ABC Radio in January he was “disgusted and very disappointed” by the appointment. He said the office should be filled by someone without baggage who will represent the Northern Territory broadly, including all Territory Indigenous people.
Mr Connolly has not apologised for the posts. He said he did not intend to cause harm and would be a “fierce advocate for all Territorians.”
Parliamentary action
Seven MLAs walked out during Question Time this month in protest of the appointment. A public protest was planned for Friday morning to coincide with the swearing-in ceremony. On Tuesday, Speaker Robyn Lambley said she declined a request for the protest to proceed at the venue, citing the need to ensure the security of dignitaries and the staging of the official ceremony.
