Federal MP Denies Assault Allegations After NT Administrator Reports Incident

Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling, has vehemently denied allegations of an incident involving the Northern Territory Administrator, David Connolly. The NT Police confirmed on Tuesday that they are investigating the alleged event, which reportedly took place during a community gathering in Darwin over the weekend.

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These are ridiculous allegations that I categorically deny.

Media reports suggest that Mr. Connolly has accused Mr. Gosling of assault during the NT Thailand Grand Festival. However, Mr. Gosling, a former army commando and the Commonwealth's special envoy for defence and veterans affairs, dismissed the claims as "ridiculous." He issued a statement asserting, "These are ridiculous allegations that I categorically deny." Gosling further stated he has had no contact with the Administrator since congratulating him on his appointment late last year.

An official spokesperson for the Administrator's office confirmed that "an incident occurred during His Honour the Administrator's official attendance at a community event over the weekend." The spokesperson added that "the matter has been referred to the Northern Territory Police Force" and that "no further comment will be made regarding the incident or the parties involved" due to the ongoing investigation.

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I've had no dealings with the Administrator since congratulating him following the announcement of his appointment late last year.

Mr. Connolly himself was brief when contacted by ABC News, responding with "what do you want?" before hanging up when asked about the alleged incident. Police detectives were seen leaving Mr. Connolly's office in Darwin CBD on Tuesday morning. The Administrator's role is representative of King Charles III in the NT, similar to a state governor. This is not the first time Mr. Connolly has been in the public eye; earlier this year, his social media history drew controversy, with Mr. Gosling and two other Labor colleagues describing some posts as "reprehensible and offensive."

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An incident occurred during His Honour the Administrator's official attendance at a community event over the weekend. The matter has been referred to the Northern Territory Police Force.