- MP is ‘cooperating fully’ with police
- Alleged incident occurred at community festival
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A federal Labor MP is in custody, accused of assaulting Northern Territory administrator David Connolly.
Solomon MP Luke Gosling, 54, was arrested by police on Thursday morning in relation to an alleged incident at the NT Thailand Grand Festival in Darwin on July 18, where both men were part of official proceedings.
He remains in custody at Palmerston Watchhouse. No charges have yet been laid.
‘Investigations began last week and police arrested the 54-year-old earlier this morning,’ an NT Police statement read.
Gosling has released a brief statement to say he is ‘cooperating fully’ with police inquiries.
He faces up to 14 years behind bars if convicted, according to the NT Criminal Code.
The Administrator is the equivalent of a state governor, representing King Charles in the NT.
Mr Connolly was sworn into the role by Governor-General Sam Mostyn in February.
Solomon MP Luke Gosling (pictured with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) was arrested on Thursday in relation to an alleged assault
The alleged assault took place at the NT Thailand Grand Festival in Darwin on July 18. Pictured is MP Luke Gosling at the event
The MP is accused of assaulting Northern Territory administrator David Connolly (pictured with Governor General Sam Mostyn)
The Administrator’s office had confirmed the alleged incident had been referred to police, adding that detectives attended Connolly’s office on July 21.
Daily Mail understands that Gosling’s arrest has derailed a series of federal government announcements in Darwin ahead of the annual four-day Garma Festival this weekend.
Gosling strenuously denied the allegations when the claims were first reported last week.
‘These are ridiculous allegations that I categorically deny,’ Gosling previously told News 24.
‘I’ve had no dealings with the administrator since congratulating him following the announcement of his appointment late last year.’
A former Australian Defence Force commando deployed to Malaysia and Timor-Lest, Gosling has been a federal MP since 2016.
He currently serves as the federal government’s special envoy for defence and veterans affairs.
He took to social media on the day of the alleged assault to share photos of the event festivities.
‘It was a privilege to take part in the Rod Nam Dum Hua ceremony – a beautiful Thai tradition that symbolises respect, gratitude and good fortune,’ Gosling wrote.
‘Thanks to everyone who made the day such a great celebration of multicultural Australia, right here in the Territory.’
A photo of the official ceremony shows Luke Gosling and Northern Territory administrator David Connolly sitting metres away
Neighbours near Gosling’s home in Darwin’s inner-north were surprised to learn of his arrest on Thursday, the NT News reported.
More to come.
