Former NT chief health officer Dr Hugh Heggie will be the next Administrator of the Northern Territory, the Federal Government has announced.

Minister for the Territories Kristy McBain said he will commence the role on January 31, for a three-year term, and was appointed by the Governor-General on advice from the Australian and Northern Territory governments.

She said it was based on Dr Heggie’s “deep experience in senior public service”, executive leadership and statutory roles.

“Having served as the Northern Territory’s chief health officer and the executive director of Public Health … in the Northern Territory government’s Department of Health, Dr Heggie has significant leadership experience, and I know that he will bring those same capabilities to the role of Administrator,” she said.

Vicki O’Halloran has been the Administrator since 2017, and has been reappointed for three months before Dr Heggie’s starts in the job and to allow for a “smooth transition”.

In 2020, Ms O’Halloran’s staff infamously threatened to call security on the NT Independent’s reporters before a ministerial swearing-in ceremony at Government House.

It’s believed to be the first time in Australian history that an administrator or governor has ejected the free press from an event they were legally entitled to attend.

George Williams, one of the country’s leading constitutional law experts and dean of law at UNSW, said restricting reporters was an unusual move that raised constitutional concerns.

“The exclusion of journalists from covering the work of government or that of the Administrator would raise important questions under the freedom of political communication guaranteed by the Australian Constitution,” he said.

Ms O’Halloran was also known for taking international taxpayer-funded trips with questionable benefits for Territorians.

“The Administrator’s term has been characterised by an enduring commitment to engaging with as many Territorians as possible, and to listening and learning, in order to provide a platform and voice for our unique stories,” a statement from her staff said.

“During her term, the Administrator has undertaken a remarkable number of engagements recognising and celebrating Territorians, and representing the Territory at the highest levels.”