Outrage Erupts Over NT Administrator's Alleged Racist Posts: Calls for Commonwealth Action Intensify

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The newly appointed NT Administrator, David Connolly, has been criticised for a slew of past social media posts in which he demeaned Aboriginal people and culture, shared transphobic claims, and levelled insults at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The former NT Cattleman Association President is set to be sworn in as the new NT Administrator next month – a politically neutral position akin to state governorship, making Connolly King Charles’s representative in the NT.

Chair of the Northern Land Council, Matthew Ryan, says he is “appalled” by what he labelled “racist” posts from Mr Connolly’s now deleted X account.

“It’s just appalling,” Mr Ryan told NITV.

“That’s just outright racist. If you were truly sincere, you’d be working directly with Indigenous communities,” he stated.

The X posts were revealed by territory tabloid the NT News and online publication the NT Independent last Friday.

The NT News claim Mr Connolly promptly deleted his account after they questioned him over the posts.

An X user by the name of “STRAIGHT SHOOTER” posted: “Do Aboriginals do the Welcome to Country ceremonies as a free service? I’ve never heard of people welcoming people to there [sic] so called area and then charging them?”

In response, Mr. Connolly quipped, “Welcome to my house; that’ll be $3,000, please.”

In 2024, Mr. Connolly addressed a discussion regarding the Melbourne Storm’s decision to reduce the frequency of Welcome to Country ceremonies. Source: NT Independent

Back in 2023, Mr. Connolly seemed to ridicule Aboriginal Kriol by sharing a photo of Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan with a Kriol interpreter. The interpreter was conveying crucial health information to remote communities during the COVID-19 pandemic when the image was captured.

Other posts inlcude Mr Connolly re-posting a photo calling Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “the largest a***hole in the world” after comparing him to a Blue Whale’s anus.

Another read “White privilege — the ability to suffer life’s universal indignities without blaming another ethnic group”.

No apology in response

In a statement addressing concerns around his suitability for the role following the revelations, David Connolly offered no apology.

“It was never my intention to cause offence; I fully understand and appreciate the expectations of the community and my role as Administrator,” Mr Connolly said.

“I have always been a fierce advocate for the bush and will now be a fierce advocate for all Territorians,” he continued.

The Northern Territory Chief Minister has doubled down on her endorsement of Mr Connolly for the position.

In a press conference last Friday, the Chief Minister confirmed Mr Connolly’s appointment was endorsed by the NT Government and the Federal Government.

NITV requested a comment from the Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro’s office on Tuesday, but was directed to the earlier statements.

Calls for Commonwealth to step in

NT Labor Opposition Leader Selena Uibo has called for the NT Government to reconsider its decision.

“The responsible course of action is clear. This appointment should be put on hold and reviewed,” Ms Uibo, who is a Nunggubuyu woman, said in a statement.

“Territorians deserve an Administrator who brings people together and reflects the values of respect and inclusion.”

“I have written to the Governor-General outlining these concerns and requesting that further advice be sought in light of recent reports,” she said.

Northern Land Council Chairman, Matthew Ryan, echoed those calls, before asking for the federal Minister for Indigenous Australians to respond.

“I’ll continue to advocate broadly in terms of the Commonwealth stepping in… listen to our outcry,” Mr Ryan said.

“By appointing this person we are not going to be happy as Indigenous people right across.”

In a statement posted to social media, the federal Minister for Indigenous Australians and senator for the NT, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the posts “are reprehensible and offensive and he should apologise”, but confirmed the Federal Government has no intention to intervene.

“The choice of Administrator has always been a matter for the NT Government,” the post read.