NT Labor MLA Caught Speeding Multiple Times, Years After Fatal Crash Conviction

A Northern Territory Labor politician, Manuel Brown, had his driver's license suspended for three months last year after accumulating multiple speeding tickets. The suspension occurred in October and involved a taxpayer-funded vehicle. This revelation comes years after Brown was convicted over a fatal crash in 2009.

Mr. Brown, first elected in 2023 and re-elected in 2024, holds several shadow ministerial portfolios. His prior conviction for driving without due care, which led to a woman's death in Katherine, was not publicly disclosed when he was initially preselected. The court had placed him on a 12-month good behavior bond over the crash, after more serious charges were dismissed.

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Late last year my licence was suspended for three months after accumulating demerit points. That was my responsibility, and I should have done better. As an elected representative, I know I am expected to lead by example. I am sorry I fell short of that standard.

Following the earlier revelation of his conviction during the 2023 by-election, Mr. Brown stated he had dedicated his life to supporting others. In a recent statement, he acknowledged the license suspension, calling it his responsibility and admitting he "should have done better." He added, "As an elected representative, I know I am expected to lead by example. I am sorry I fell short of that standard."

Government records indicate Mr. Brown's official car was used extensively during his license suspension period. While he did not directly address this, it is understood he claims the vehicle was driven by a staff member. Opposition Leader Selena Uibo stated Mr. Brown had informed her of the suspension at the time. However, she conceded that the matter should have been publicly disclosed, especially since it involved an elected member of her team, despite no traffic incident being involved in the infringements.

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I accept that whilst there was no traffic incident involved in the infringements, this should have been acknowledged publicly due to the matter involving an elected member of my team.