NT Administrator backlash prompts apology

By LAINE CLARK

The incoming NT Administrator has apologised for controversial social media posts ahead of his swearing-in ceremony following a backlash over his appointment.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn reached out as incoming Northern Territory administrator David Connolly copped more flak over his appointment, prompting an apology ahead of tomorrow’s swearing-in ceremony.

The Prime Minister had been asked to intervene in a last-minute attempt to stop Mr Connolly taking on the administrator role, the equivalent of a state governor.

Dozens of politicians, advocates and community groups have signed a letter requesting Anthony Albanese “urgently rescind” the vice-regal appointment to restore public confidence.

‘Indigenous privilege’

There have been calls for Mr Connolly’s late 2025 nomination by the Territory  government to be quashed, put on hold or reviewed due to his questionable X posts, which have since been deleted.

They included attacks on what the cattleman called Indigenous privilege, an apparent mocking of Welcome to Country ceremonies and a re-post describing Mr Albanese as an “arsehole”.

Mr Connolly issued an apology late on Wednesday, saying he deeply regretted his posts, which were deleted but recently re-emerged in the media.

“I never intended to cause offence. I am genuinely sorry for the hurt they may have caused members of the community,” he said in a statement.

“These posts are no reflection of my personal core values.”

Mr Connolly said he understood the responsibilities that came with his new role, describing it as the “greatest honour of my life”.

The prime minister has been urged to stop David Connolly from becoming NT administrator. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

“My actions moving forward will demonstrate genuine care and commitment to serving all Territorians,” he said.

“I am turning my energy now towards fulfilling my commission and the duties of the office.”

Governor-General Ms Mostyn welcomed the “full apology” after arriving in Darwin ahead of the swearing-in ceremony at Government House on Friday morning.

“Restraint required”

Ms Mostyn said she had spoken to Mr Connolly this week, reminding him of the “restraint required” in his upcoming $377,000 per-year gig.

“I think he understands, going into this role, that he has to be a very different person in the role than he might have been before, and anyone stepping into vice regal roles actually learns that,” she told ABC Radio Darwin on Thursday.

Mr Connolly was under pressure ahead of the ceremony, with the letter sent to Mr Albanese and a protest planned during his swearing-in.

NT Speaker Robyn Lambley denied permission for a planned rally to protest Mr Connolly’s appointment. ((A)manda Parkinson/AAP PHOTOS)

However, Speaker Robyn Lambley denied permission for protesters to hold the planned rally outside parliament, saying there was “insufficient capacity to accommodate a demonstration” at the same time as the ceremony.

Aboriginal elder and Territory MP Yingiya Guyula co-signed the letter sent to the prime minister and issued a personal plea to Mr Albanese to withdraw his support for Mr Connolly.

AAP