The federal Labor MP, charged with assaulting Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly, must remain at least 50 metres from Government House. At shared events, he will have to stay 15 metres away and provide 48 hours’ notice
Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling has been banned from coming within 50 metres of Government House in Darwin after appearing in court accused of assaulting Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly.
Judge Stephen Geary varied Mr Gosling’s bail conditions and also ordered him to provide Mr Connolly’s office with at least 48 hours’ notice before attending any event where both men are expected to be present.
If they attend the same event, Mr Gosling must remain at least 15 metres away from the administrator at all times.
Mr Gosling has strongly denied the allegations and intends to contest the charges. He is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
Two alleged incidents 30 minutes apart
The Member for Solomon appeared before the Darwin Local Court after Northern Territory Police charged him with two counts of assaulting Mr Connolly.
The alleged incidents occurred on July 18 while both men were attending the NT Grand Thai Festival in Darwin as part of the event’s official proceedings.
During the hearing, Judge Geary said the charges related to two separate alleged incidents that occurred about 30 minutes apart.
“The allegation is not an isolated incident,” the judge said while considering the changes to Mr Gosling’s bail.
Defence describes case as “incredibly weak”
Mr Gosling’s lawyer, Marty Aust SC, challenged the strength of the prosecution case.
He argued that the charges were based solely on complaint evidence from the administrator and were not supported by independent witnesses or other corroborating material.
Despite the presence of numerous people and CCTV cameras at the festival, Mr Aust said there was no independent evidence confirming the allegations.
“What we have here is an incredibly weak case,” he told the court.
That remains the defence position and will be tested against the prosecution evidence during the proceedings.
Dispute over police contact timeline
Outside court, Mr Gosling also disputed the police account of attempts to contact him before his arrest.
Northern Territory Police said officers had made multiple attempts to reach the MP in the days before he was taken into custody.
Mr Gosling said the first contact he received was a phone message two days before his arrest while he was working in Queensland.
According to his account, he completed his commitments, returned to Darwin after midnight and was arrested early the following morning.
He said his office had been attempting to arrange a suitable time for him to meet investigators.
Claims of politicisation rejected
Following the arrest, Mr Aust raised concerns about a possible politicisation of the matter and questioned why police had used their arrest powers rather than issuing a summons or notice to appear.
Northern Territory Police rejected that suggestion, stating that a person’s occupation, political affiliation or public position does not affect the way an investigation is conducted.
Mr Gosling said many people were asking questions about how the case had unfolded, but he declined to comment further because the matter is before the courts.
Gosling confirms discussion with Anthony Albanese
Mr Gosling confirmed he had spoken with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Coalition MPs have called for the federal member to be temporarily removed from his role as special envoy for defence, veterans’ affairs and northern Australia while the case proceeds.
Mr Gosling said he intended to continue performing the duties for which he was elected.
“I welcome the judge’s decision allowing me to get out and do my job representing the people of Darwin and Palmerston,” he said.
He added that he had made it clear to the prime minister that he would contest the allegations.
A politically sensitive case
The proceedings involve two senior public figures in the Northern Territory.
Mr Gosling has represented the Darwin-based seat of Solomon since 2016 and holds special federal government responsibilities. Mr Connolly is the Crown’s representative in the territory, performing a role equivalent to that of a state governor.
The revised bail conditions are designed to prevent direct contact between the two men while the case continues.
The court will ultimately determine what occurred at the Thai festival and whether the allegations can be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Until then, Mr Gosling remains entitled to the presumption of innocence, although the case is likely to continue generating significant political attention.
