Past social media posts by David Connolly, the incoming Northern Territory administrator, have been labeled “reprehensible” and “offensive” by three federal politicians who are demanding an apology. The posts, which have resurfaced in recent media reports, include controversial comments on Indigenous Australians, female athletes, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
On Tuesday, Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and NT-based MPs Marion Scrymgour and Luke Gosling, all from the Labor Party, issued a joint statement condemning Connolly’s past remarks. The posts, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter), have raised concerns about Connolly’s political neutrality and his views on women.
Controversial Social Media Posts
David Connolly, nominated by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro in December to be the NT’s administrator, is set to assume the role next month. The position, akin to a state governor, requires political neutrality. However, Connolly’s past social media activity has cast doubt on his suitability for the role.
Some of Connolly’s posts, which have since been deleted, have been described as “racist” by Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan. The posts included criticism of Indigenous practices and derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Albanese. In one instance, Connolly referred to the Prime Minister as a “boofhead” and shared a post labeling him as the “largest arsehole in the world.”
Political Reactions and Demands for Apology
In their joint statement, the three Labor politicians emphasized the importance of the NT administrator’s role in democracy, stating that the position should be a unifying figure above party politics. They described Connolly’s posts as “reprehensible and offensive” and called for an apology.
Connolly responded with a statement on Monday, claiming it was never his “intention to cause offence.” He expressed his commitment to advocating for all Territorians and dismissed his past social media activity as irrelevant to his future role.
Historical and Political Context
The controversy surrounding Connolly’s appointment is not an isolated incident. Political figures have previously faced scrutiny over past remarks or social media activity. The NT’s Country Liberal Party government, however, has stated it does not plan to reconsider Connolly’s appointment, despite suggestions from the NT Labor opposition.
In addition to his social media posts, a 2024 speech by Connolly, while president of the NT Cattlemen’s Association, has also come under scrutiny. In the speech, Connolly criticized the Labor Party and Prime Minister Albanese, particularly regarding the 2011 decision on live cattle exports. He accused Albanese of lying and described his conduct as “arrogant, ignorant, threatening and so wrong.”
Implications and Future Outlook
The appointment of Connolly has sparked a broader debate about the standards and expectations for public figures, particularly in roles that require political neutrality. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges political parties face in vetting candidates and the potential repercussions of past statements in the digital age.
Former NTCA chief executive Ashley Manicaros has publicly criticized the appointment, calling it a “career-ending move” for Chief Minister Finocchiaro. Manicaros, who has a personal history with Connolly and the NTCA, warned that any future missteps by Connolly could have significant political consequences for Finocchiaro.
As Connolly prepares to assume his new role, the spotlight remains on his past actions and the potential impact on his ability to serve as a neutral and unifying figure. The coming weeks will likely determine whether the controversy will dissipate or escalate further, potentially affecting the political landscape in the Northern Territory.
