Fiery protest as controversial administrator sworn in
Laine Clark |
Protesters have clashed with police as an Aboriginal elder was arrested in chaotic scenes during a rally against a territory’s controversial appointment.
About 100 people defied a ban and vented their anger outside Darwin’s Parliament House on Friday as David Connolly was sworn in as the Northern Territory’s administrator – the equivalent of a state governor.
Larrakia Traditional Owner Eric Fejo was arrested at the fiery rally and escorted by officers to a police van that was quickly surrounded by protesters shouting “shame” and “let him go” as it tried to leave.
Chants of “not my administrator” could be heard when Mr Connolly arrived for the ceremony with dignitaries including Governor-General Sam Mostyn following months of backlash.
Mr Connolly issued an apology days before the ceremony after mounting pressure from critics over his previous “offensive” social media posts.
His past posts appeared to denigrate women and Indigenous people, share transphobic claims and make jokes about domestic violence.
The apology came after NT Speaker Robyn Lambley denied permission for a rally, saying there was “insufficient capacity to accommodate a demonstration” outside parliament at the same time as the ceremony.
But that did not stop Friday’s protest, with attendees including federal Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and NT Opposition Leader Selena Uibo.
The rally did not disrupt the ceremony, with Mr Connolly sworn in as the territory’s 24th administrator following an opening address by Ms Mostyn and NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro.
Mr Connolly paid his respects to Darwin region Traditional Owners the Larrakia people, saying he started his day with a Welcome to Country ceremony at nearby Mindil Beach.
Mr Connolly had criticised Welcome to Country ceremonies in past social media posts that were deleted but resurfaced in the media this year.
“The bell has been rung and I have answered the call,” Mr Connolly told the NT parliament.
“I am a lot of things, and none of them perfect, but I am not one to step back when asked to step forward.”
The chief minister said the veteran cattleman had a longstanding connection to the NT and extensive industry experience, making him “well-suited” to the role.
“His Honour has spent nearly two decades working in the Northern Territory, building strong relationships across regional and remote communities,” she said.
Critics had been calling for Mr Connolly’s nomination to be quashed, put on hold or reviewed since his questionable X posts re-emerged in the media.
Mr Connolly issued an apology on Wednesday night, saying he was genuinely sorry and did not mean to offend with the posts that were “no reflection of my personal core values”.
Northern Territory MP Yingiya Guyula said it would take more than a last-minute apology for people to believe Mr Connolly was genuinely sorry.
“He has a clear record that everyone can see of being offensive,” he said in a statement to AAP.
“He was the wrong choice for the position.”
Mr Guyula was part of a last-minute effort to stop Mr Connolly’s appointment.
He was among dozens of politicians, advocates and community groups who signed a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this week requesting he “urgently rescind” the vice-regal appointment to restore public confidence.
Mr Connolly, a former NT Cattlemen’s Association president, said he was focused on “getting on with the job”.
“Judge me not by the first headlines, but by the months and years of service to the NT and its people that I have committed to,” he said..
“Above all, I bring respect … for every Territorian no matter where they live, how they vote, or how they see the world.”
AAP