Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling has been banned from Government House after being charged with assaulting Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly. Gosling was arrested on Thursday in connection with an incident reportedly occurring at the NT Thailand Grand Festival in Darwin on July 18.
Gosling faced Darwin Local Court on Friday, where Judge Stephen Geary imposed the ban, prohibiting him from coming within 50 meters of Government House. The court also stipulated that Gosling must provide 48 hours' notice before attending any event where he and Connolly might be present, and if they are at the same occasion, Gosling must remain 15 meters away from the administrator.
In a statement released after his arrest, Gosling, the member for the Darwin-based seat of Solomon, denied the allegations. "I've had no dealings with the administrator since congratulating him following the announcement of his appointment late last year," he stated.
Despite Gosling's denial, opposition MPs have urged him to step down from his role as special envoy for Defence, Veterans' Affairs, and Northern Australia. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, stating, "This is a test of leadership for him (Albanese), and when it really matters... the prime minister is nowhere to be seen." Taylor added that the situation involves charges against a senior official in the Northern Territory and called for the prime minister to take action. Prime Minister Albanese is currently on leave, with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles acting in his place.
Nationals' senator Bridget McKenzie also called for Gosling to stand aside from his special envoy position until legal proceedings conclude. "It's an important part of our democracy of keeping integrity within our Westminster system that the prime minister does do the right thing and stand Mr Gosling aside until his name is cleared or until the matter is dealt with in court," McKenzie told News 24.
NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy expressed disappointment, describing Gosling as a "very good and decent person." She indicated that discussions regarding his potential stepping down would need to occur between Gosling and the Prime Minister.