Federal MP Luke Gosling steps aside from special envoy role after alleged bail breach
Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling has stepped aside from his role as a special envoy in the Albanese government after allegedly breaching his bail conditions.
Gosling is the Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia, but said he would temporarily step back from the role as allegations against the bail breach and an assault charge are investigated.
Luke Gosling at the NT Thailand Grand Festival in Darwin on July 18. Luke Gosling
“Due to the ongoing media attention and the distraction that this is causing to the business of government, I have decided to temporarily stand aside as special envoy for defence, veterans’ affairs and Northern Australia, until these matters have been heard,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
“I categorically deny all the allegations made against me.
I will rigorously defend myself against these charges in court.”
The Solomon MP was accused of assaulting Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly last month.
Gosling, 54, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault after allegedly elbowing Connolly during the NT Thailand Grand Festival in Darwin on July 18.
The federal politician was released from custody after being charged, but sought to vary his bail terms in Darwin Local Court on July 31.
Northern Territory Police allege he breached those bail conditions on August 14, but did not detail the exact nature of the alleged breach.
On Tuesday, police charged Gosling with one count of breaching bail and issued him with a court summons.
He is due back in court on September 30.
Gosling has strongly denied the assault allegations through his lawyer, Marty Aust, who criticised police for arresting the MP rather than issuing a notice to appear.
Despite calls from opposition figures for the MP to be stood down, Gosling has vowed to remain in his position as the federal government’s special envoy for defence, veterans’ affairs and northern Australia while the matter is before the courts.
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