Federal Labor MP speaks on ‘strange morning’ after being charged with assault

Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling has vowed to continue in his job despite calls to step aside after he was charged with allegedly assaulting Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly.

The 54-year-old was arrested at his home on Thursday morning for allegedly elbowing Connolly at the NT Thailand Grand Festival in Darwin on July 18.

Gosling was charged with two counts of assault.

He has been granted bail to appear before court on September 1.

In a statement shared hours later, he said he could not say much as the matter was before the courts but admitted it had been a strange morning.

“I’ve got a job to do, and I’ll be working hard, as always, to serve the people of Darwin and Palmerston,” he said.

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“A big thank you to everyone who’s reached out to me and my office with messages of support for me and my family. It really means a lot.

“Anyway, we’re all cracking on with it.”

Gosling’s lawyer, Marty Aust, said the charges are “completely and utterly” denied and will be contested in court.

“It is particularly concerning that the police resorted to the power of arrest when they could have dealt with the matter by way of summons or a notice to appear,” he said.

“There is a real concern that there is a degree of politicisation in relation to how this matter is being handled already.

“Now that the matter is before the courts there is nothing further to say at this time.”

In a brief statement before he was charged, Gosling said he was fully cooperating with police.

When allegations first arose of the assault last week, the MP said he had no dealings with the administrator since congratulating him on his appointment late last year.

The retired army commando and recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia also serves as Labor’s special envoy for defence, veterans’ affairs and northern Australia.

He is now facing calls to step down from his envoy duties.

Northern Territory Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said the matter was “deeply concerning”.

“All parties must cooperate fully with police, and the investigation must be allowed to proceed without fear, favour or political interference,” she said.

“Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Prime Minister should stand Mr Gosling aside from his special envoy responsibilities while the matter is investigated.

“No one is above the law, and everyone is entitled to due process.”

Shadow defence minister James Paterson added to the call for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to act.

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“The allegations facing Special Envoy for Defence & Veterans, Luke Gosling, are incredibly serious,” he said.

“While everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence, an arrest for assault requires him to immediately stand down from his duties.”

A spokesperson from the prime minister’s office declined to comment other than to say: “There is a legal process underway.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

The administrator is the King’s representative in the NT and serves a similar role to a state governor.

Anyone found guilty of assault against the administrator while he is engaged in the discharge of his official functions faces up to 14 years in prison, according to the NT Criminal Code.

Gosling and Connolly were both involved in the festival’s official proceedings.

If Gosling is found guilty and jailed for one year or longer, he could also be disqualified from parliament under section 44 of the constitution.