David Connolly was sworn in as the next Administrator of the Northern Territory Friday morning in a red carpet ceremony, starting his tenure by saying he wanted to thank the Larrakia people and “pay respects to them all, past and present”, while outside a Larrakia elder was arrested at what was a peaceful protest of more than a hundred people, which descended into brief chaos after the arrest.
The rally, that saw people carry signs stating “Not my Administrator” and “Connolly is a racist bigot”, was held at Bennett Park, following the Speaker banning the public from the Parliament House precinct while Governor-General Sam Mostyn was swearing in Mr Connolly.
Speakers at the protest included Federal Labor Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy, Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour, organisers Justice Not Jails members, independent MLAs Yingiya Guyula and Justine Davis, as well as NT Opposition Leader Selena Uibo.
Larrakia elder Eric Fejo was arrested by police and thrown in the back of a police ute after attempting to walk on the lawn in the parliamentary precinct, while protesters jeered and surrounded the cage at the back of the ute offering their support to Mr Fejo. People, including Ms Davis, were removed from the back and the front of the vehicle by police as it pulled away with Mr Fejo inside.
Mr Fejo had reportedly told the protesters that he intended to lead a march onto the parliamentary lawns before he was arrested.
Police said only that a 61-year-old man was arrested for trespass and remains in custody, while a Federal Senator called for a public apology to Mr Fejo for arresting him on his land.
Mr Connolly, a former cattle station manager and one-time president of the NT Cattlemen’s Association, sparked community outrage after his past social media comments denigrating women, insulting and disrespecting Aboriginal people and joking about domestic violence, as well as controversial remarks in speeches, surfaced in various media outlets.
NT Opposition and crossbench members have publicly questioned his fitness for the $377,000-a-year job as the King’s representative in the NT, leading to the CLP shutting down questions in Parliament about the appointment, forcing a parliamentary walkout earlier this month.
After six weeks of controversy, Mr Connolly issued a statement late Wednesday evening, apologising only for his past social media posts and stating he had “never intended to cause offence”, despite telling people in a speech in 2024 that while he doesn’t “offer offence [with his comments], you are free to take it”.
The late apology was labelled disingenuous by Indigenous politicians.
Mr Guyula, who earlier in the week said Mr Connolly would not be welcome in remote communities in his electorate, told the crowd at the protest on Friday that Indigenous Territorians were sick of the political system “walking all over us”.
“[Connolly] needs to understand our people, needs to understand who we are,” Mr Guyula said. “We have always been living here on the land controlling our country. We should be working together and listen to one another and create a pathway that we live, two ways, together. Let’s walk together, don’t stomp on us.”
Inside, Mr Connolly broke his long silence to the roughly 200 people assembled for the ceremony, including cattlemen, members of the judiciary, police, military personnel and current and former CLP politicians and advisers.
Despite ridiculing Welcome to Country ceremonies in his X posts, he said he had attended a Welcome to Country ceremony at dawn at Mindil Beach and then passed along a greeting in language, before saying “it was an honour and incredibly special to begin my first day with the original custodians”.
“I would like to commence this morning by thanking the Larrakia people, the salt water people of this country on which we stand and I pay my respects to them all, past and present,” he said.
“Today, I accept this office with humility and a deep respect for the responsibility entrusted to me, but also with a clear head and a strong sense of purpose. This is not a position to which I ever aspired or indeed thought may be considered for, and yet, I have been called from the back country that I love.
“The bell has been rung and I answered the call.
“I am a lot of things and none of them perfect, but I am not one to step back when asked to step forward.”
Governor-General Sam Mostyn and NT Administrator David Connolly at the swearing-in ceremony. (Pic NT Independent)
Mr Connolly, who was born in Cunnamulla in Queensland and has lived in the NT for somewhere in the vicinity of 10 to 15 years, also spoke of his experience in the pastoral and agribusiness sectors and his deep love for the outback Territory.
“The Northern Territory is a hard place to sum up,” he said. “It’s big, it’s demanding and it doesn’t suffer fools.
“This land has a way of keeping people honest and I intend to be guided by that. The Northern Territory is shaped by resilience, candour, diversity and an enduring sense of community.”
Addressing the controversy around his appointment, Mr Connolly said that was “part of a healthy democracy”.
“I believe it is okay to have an opinion, and for that opinion to be different to mine,” he said. “Debate, difference and scrutiny are signs of an engaged society. I welcome them and I commit to responding not with division, but with respect.
“My focus now however, is getting on with the job, doing the job properly and to the best of my ability…with impartiality and with respect and care for every Territorian.
“Above all, I bring respect. Respect for First Nations peoples and their enduring custodianship of the land for tens of thousands of years…”
The NT Independent revealed one of Mr Connolly’s posts last month in which he criticised Aboriginal bushfire practices as “arson”.
“If a white man did it he would be severely fined,” he wrote in the 2022 post. “After experiencing this, you cannot convince me they are doing good for the country.”
Governor-General Sam Mostyn congratulated Mr Connolly on his new role as Administrator.
“In the role of Administrator of the NT, with its statutory and civic duties, lies the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the NT of today – a modern NT – and to foster a vision of tomorrow that celebrates the great diversity of this place,” she said. “I encourage you and know you’ll be open, curious and embracing of all Territorians as you commence the next chapter in deep, committed service.”
Protestors at a rally outside Parliament on Friday morning. (Pic NT Independent)
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, who has been labelled “arrogant” for pushing through with Mr Connolly’s appointment in the face of public anger and the deep division it has caused, said again that Mr Connolly will help the NT economy with his knowledge and experience. She still did not explain how growing the economy would be one of the Administrator’s responsibilities.
Ms Finocchiaro called Mr Connolly assuming the role of Administrator a “proud moment for the Northern Territory”.
“These affirmations are made by someone who embodies the Territory spirit, and understands the rich, complex and beautiful tapestry that is our home,” she said.
Meanwhile, Senator Lidia Thorpe demanded a public apology to Mr Fejo for his arrest and called on the Federal Government to overturn Mr Connolly’s appointment.
“Eric is a staunch defender of his Country and his people. It is utterly shameful that police would treat an Elder this way on Larrakia land,” she said in a statement.
“NT Police must publicly apologise.
“The Minister for Aboriginal Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, was there. She denounced the new Administrator.
“But it is completely disingenuous to claim she stands with our people against David Connolly when her own government signed off on his appointment, and holds the power to remove him.”
Police did not say if Mr Fejo has been charged.
Another poor top-down decision that highlights serious leadership shortcomings in the NT.
Objectively look at the protestors!!
NOBODIES conducting a Media stunt!
>NT Opposition Leader Selena Uibo, a placeholder til the 2028 election when they roll out their real, non embarrassing candidates with IQ points!
>Guyla, nobody from Arnhemland, who has accomplished what for his constituents? Is it Zero?
>Justine Davis, nobody from Milner, who has accomplished what for her constituents?Is it Zero?
>Is that a Greens person in the photo, the most embarrassing political party on the NT!
I dont think David Connelly has anything to do with the forced COVID 19 Mandates and thwarted legal cases that got Territorians marching on Parliament!!!!
I believe you have it right, , Christopher please stop using my name. Note the very small group of people involved were Labor politicians and scary independents and the odd passers by and the dirty old men and boys who attend these rallies as the women are gullible and vulnerable.
With respect Peter (AKA Boof) – you’re starting to sound like “His Honour”.
Hows the aged care home Charlie?
Will the real Peter Cavanagh step forward? I’d never have AKAd the failed Labor candidate for Stuart Park as a ‘boof’ – with or without a head attached.
Poor ole’ Boof! Shame about your disconnection with the real world but it only goes to show that you’ve never really had any respect for those – in the Labor Party or even the union/labour movement – with principles, It’s the nasties in the CLP and right-wing fascist parties who turn you on. (Eh, Graham Duh?) There was another Peter Cavenagh as I recall. He came to the NT after bulldozing his ex-wife’s house in SA. Same name, same type. And Dear Graham, the majority of people with an evidence-based scientific or legal perspective have nothing at all against a health professional promoting science and preventative health measures to save lives. The former Administrator has nothing to hide. A gentle man and a true diplomat. The current bully-boy incumbent can’t even tell us how long he’s been a Territorian let alone present a feasible picture of what he hopes to achieve in a really boring. strictly-protocolled vice-regal position. Of course, if he was actually going to leave the NT before being offered this $377.000 junket, it’s enough that the money’s good, isn’t it?
At least it’s a job, after all!! Not that I’m prejudiced on this, but, out of curiousity, has he got a family?
Dear Graham – with respect – in the alternative look at the appointee (and his his own words and conduct). A sad and shameful day for the Northern Territory! Is this who we are and what we aspire to be? Congratulations to the protesters – exercising their democratic rights of corse.
Dear PC -AKAB. Not as good as Government House and no view of the harbour. The butler will be terrified
when “His Honour” asks him to fetch a glass of water. Are
you on the official guest list mate?
Surely can get a local for the job – only been in the NT ten years! As soon as his term is over (and he’s made a million)… I bet takes off back to QLD where he’s lived most of his life!
Andy, you’ve misinterpreted how long Mr Connolly has assumed residency in the NT. What he’s injecting into his preferred audience is that he has lived in the NT for ‘somewhere in the vicinity of’ 10 to 15 years. It’s a bit like The Man From UNCLE – where everyone was ‘somewhere in a remote part of’ wherever. Vague, fictional and obscure. Indeed, ‘deeply regrettable’ – and stupid.
ALL this time Diana and you are still a two minute Territorian
by acknowledging his many and various disrespectful statements as ‘deeply regrettable’ the incoming Administrator has left the Chief a few steps behind. Last we heard from her on the matter, Ms Finocchiaro was still rationalising, validating and excusing his remarks.
Rubbish Lia has been going about her business while our far-left media has been distracted and the upcoming by election that neither major party want’s to win will give her more cover and then it will be easy to find something else.
Far far left in the photo is fitting for Suki.
Yeah. We love you, Suki! You dare to be different and don’t mind being a ‘difficult’ woman.
Suki is intelligent, ethical and has values. If elected she will work tirelessly for the people of Nightcliff.
You commentors totally know a independent achieves nothing for their electorate!
Case in point:
A very alcohol fueled, anti social gathering in a park turned violent!
Called the Council: “We will not put our Rangers at Risk”. Thank you City of Darwin, ask me how i voted at that last election.
Called the Police: “We will get there when we get there!”. They never turned up all day!
Next Day, drunks still going strong, no one in the street is getting any sleep, Called the Fannie Bay MLA Laurie Zio: She had council AND the cops there in 20 (Twenty) minutes.
Case in point: Kat M ex MLA from Nightcliff, did what for Nightcliff exactly? Didly squat!
Case in point: Justine Davis of has accomplished what for her constituents? nada!
Case in point: Yingiya GUYULA of Mulka has accomplished what for his constituents? 0!
Can i say media stunts like the Administrators protest does nothing for their constituents!
I know they are all lovely candidates but It is a unfortunate fact, you need someone in the current administration for actual service delivery!
Some people have decided to be triggered about the Administrators comments when he was a private business person!
Do the Triggered have a opinion on these, less than 60 days old news headlines?
What have the Triggered done about it? Nothing?
“NT named murder capital of Australia” – NT NEWS
“Police arrest seven over brutal teen girl bashing” – NT NEWS
“Police arrest 58 people, including ‘key figure’ after Wadeye unrest” – NT NEWS
“Public servant allegedly embroiled in $5m NDIS fraud”- NT NEWS
“NT Flood evacuees allegedly threatened by armed person”- NT NEWS
“Man arrested, bailed, twice for allegedly possessing child abuse material in NT”- NT NEWS
“Teenage boy with tomahawk arrested after 20-person machete brawl at Darwin Waterfront”-NT NEWS
“Parole revoked for Brendan Jabanardi Woods, 38, after charges in over Alice Springs police attack”-NT NEWS
“Former teacher Margaret Black ‘shocked’ after Rapid Creek home allegedly targeted in petrol bombing attack”-NT NEWS
“Katherine police: 10 youths believed to be in car rollover” -NT NEWS
“Katherine plagued by four alleged crossbow and machete crime sprees in 24 hours” -NT NEWS
“‘Payback’ over fatal crash could be behind Alice Springs unrest, cop says” – NT NEWS
“Mystery woman tangled up in alleged mother-son drug op”- NT NEWS
“Infant allegedly assaulted by mother in remote community” NT INDY
“Machete fight on Alice Springs Council lawns ends in arrests, one in hospital” – NT INDY
“80-year-old woman robbed and assaulted in home invasion by kids as young as eight: Police” NT INDY
“Alice Springs woman sexually assaulted while putting child into vehicle” – NT INDY
“Man arrested for alleged indecent assault at campground”- NT INDY
“Meth, weapons and counterfeit cash seized from Coconut Grove car yard” – NT INDY
“Youths smash up service station in Katherine” NT INDY
“Two men arrested with more than $250k worth of stolen goods” NT INDY
“Police seize $140k worth of cannabis sent to remote community by boat” NT INDY
“Man charged with threatening a woman” – NT INDY
“Four teens charged over Tennant Creek break-ins” NT INDY
“Man charged with murder over suspicious 2022 death of woman in Katherine” NT INDY
“Man charged with murder over Borroloola domestic violence death” NT INDY