Northern Territory political figures are continuing to call on the government to reconsider the appointment of the incoming Administrator, arguing the Territory deserves someone who commands broad respect.
Former Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association president David Connolly is due to be sworn in next month as the Territory's 24th Administrator, after being nominated by Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro last month. The role — equivalent to a state governor — is intended to be politically neutral.
In recent days, a number of Mr Connolly's past posts on X (formerly Twitter) have resurfaced, including derogatory remarks about First Nations people, despite Aboriginal people making up around a third of the Territory's population.
Mr Connolly has stopped short of apologising, instead arguing he did not intend to cause harm and saying he would be a "fierce advocate for all Territorians".
"My former social media posts are exactly that and were done at a time when having the honour and privilege of being the Administrator was not even in my wildest dreams," he said.
"I love this place and look forward to getting out and working for everyone right across the Territory."
'We need someone without baggage'
Speaking to ABC Radio on Wednesday, Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan said he was "disgusted and very disappointed" by Mr Connolly's appointment.
"We need someone that doesn't have any baggage," Mr Ryan said. "We need someone that will represent the Northern Territory — not just one-sided, but all Territory Indigenous [people] also."
Before an Administrator is appointed, the government undertakes a vetting process, including checks and balances, to determine whether a nominee is a fit and proper person to hold the role of the King's representative in the Northern Territory.
By appointing Mr Connolly, Mr Ryan argued the Country Liberal Party government had "massively" failed in its responsibilities.
"There should be a process like any other government appointee," he said. "You do your due diligence right across so that you get the right fit and proper person for the position or for the role."
'Doesn't represent everyone'
Labor's shadow attorney-general Chansey Paech said the Administrator must reflect the "values, history and future" of the Northern Territory.
"Territorians deserve an administrator who understands the complexity of our communities, the challenges we face and the deep cultural roots of this land — especially in the bush," he said.
"It demands connection, cultural intelligence, and respect for the diversity that defines the Northern Territory, not someone who makes a joke of it."
The Eastern Arrernte and Gurindji man, whose electorate of Gwoja is more than 75 per cent Indigenous, said Mr Connolly did not meet that standard.
"While he holds the role, Government House is not the people's house," Mr Paech said.
"More action must be taken. A public apology is not enough. We need a person the whole territory can respect."
'Dangerous' views
Opposition Leader Selina Uibo also criticised Mr Connolly's social media activity, arguing it undermined his ability to unite Territorians.
"When we are hearing comments or reposting shares, which means that often somebody has agreed with and wants to share and further disseminate some of that information or those opinions, I think that is dangerous for the Northern Territory," Ms Uibo said.
"Everyone knows here in the territory, a third of Territorians are Aboriginal Territorians, and that has to come with a level of respect.
"What we've heard and what we've seen through the media around Mr Connolly's sharing of posts and opinions does not show that he will be a person who can unite the Northern Territory, who can bring all Territorians together."
'Very disappointed' in federal response
Earlier this week, federal Labor's three Northern Territory representatives — Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy and MPs Marion Scrymgour and Luke Gosling — issued a joint statement, condemning the posts as "reprehensible and offensive" and calling on Mr Connolly to apologise.
"The NT Administrator plays an important role in the functioning of our democracy," they said. "More than that, they should stand as a unifying figure above party politics and represent all Territorians."
However, the MPs stopped short of calling on Ms Finocchiaro to withdraw the nomination, stating: "The choice of Administrator has always been a matter for the NT Government."
Mr Ryan said he was "very disappointed" in the statement — especially from Senator McCarthy and Ms Scrymgour — arguing they "should be going hard on this".
"They should be supporting all Indigenous people, not apology," he said. "[An] apology — I think it's more wishy washy. Sorry, mate, there's nothing to see here, right?' No, no, no."
Asked whether the federal MPs were failing Indigenous Territorians, Mr Ryan said: "They are, massively they are. And I'll stand my ground and hand on my heart, they are failing Northern Territory Indigenous people.
"They should be supporting, should be calling on the Commonwealth government saying that he needs to step down immediately, get someone who is appropriate."
