Peak Aboriginal organisations in the Northern Territory have condemned the appointment of the incoming Administrator, whose history of "racist" social media posts has been widely publicised since they were revealed last week.
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.
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In response, the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APONT) called on the Country Liberal Party (CLP) government to revoke Mr Connolly's appointment, arguing the comments "undermine trust and respect" across the Territory.
APONT chair Theresa Roe said the posts — which include claims that Aboriginal people receive preferential medical treatment and are responsible for crime spikes in the Northern Territory — reinforce harmful narratives.
She said the comments, which Mr Connolly has sought to downplay as having been made before he was considered for the role of the King's representative, "cannot be taken lightly".
"This office carries significant standing and public trust in the position is a basic requirement," Ms Roe said.
"Such views have no place in the office of the NT Administrator. This behaviour only creates division in the Territory."
Social media posts
In one post about Welcome to Country ceremonies, Mr Connolly wrote: "Welcome to my house, that'll be $3000 thanks," in response to another user.
Commenting on the 2024 Northern Territory election, Mr Connolly referenced remarks by former Chief Minister Eva Lawler, writing that she "has stated 'let's not forget the history of Australia was built on us being colonised by a detention facility from England, so we have had young people in trouble with the law for the whole history of Australia'".
"Hang on a minute. Let's speak honestly about this for once. The main group of people perpetrating these criminal actions have been in Australia for 60,000 years," he said.
"The English didn't send them here. They are the product of failed policy and a soft-on-crime attitude."
In another post, Mr Connolly wrote: "So the crowds chant always was, always will be Aboriginal land. So here's my Question, will the white fella's in the crowd give the blackfella's in the crowd, their land [?] You know, 'oh here Russell, take my home mate, sure get into it'."
In response, Ms Roe said the comments revealed a "lack of understanding of the lived experiences of Aboriginal Territorians".
"They also indicate a lack [of] respect for Aboriginal people and all Territorians who want to live in a cohesive community," she added.
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No apology forthcoming
Mr Connolly has stopped short of apologising, instead saying he did not intend to cause harm and 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."
Speaking to ABC Radio on Wednesday, Northern Land Council chair Mr Matthew Ryan said he was "disgusted and very disappointed" by Mr Connolly's appointment, adding he would not engage with him if the appointment proceeds.
"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."
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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."
APONT said the Administrator role holds significant power and influence and requires the trust of Aboriginal people — trust that can only be earned "through an honest understanding of power, history and privilege".
The peak body has called on the Chief Minister to reconsider Mr Connolly's appointment and urged the federal government to intervene to ensure a more appropriate candidate is selected.
Ms Roe said proceeding with the appointment after the posts have come to light would further entrench division.
"It reflects a continued failure to listen to Aboriginal voices and represents a missed opportunity to demonstrate leadership grounded in respect, understanding and unity," she said.
"The role of the Administrator of the Northern Territory must embody respect and political neutrality. Mr Connolly's views are incompatible with that responsibility and his appointment should be dismissed."
