Overview
- Connolly issued a public apology late Wednesday for his now-deleted social media posts, saying he deeply regrets them and will serve all Territorians.
- Governor-General Sam Mostyn arrived in Darwin for Friday’s ceremony and said she reminded Connolly of the restraint required in a vice-regal role.
- An open letter signed by 22 politicians, advocates and community groups urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to rescind the appointment and review the process.
- Albanese has previously said he would not intervene in Northern Territory vice-regal appointments, citing a lack of precedent.
- NT Speaker Robyn Lambley refused permission for a protest at Parliament House during the ceremony, while Opposition Leader Selena Uibo plans to boycott and Indigenous leaders, including the Northern Land Council, have rejected Connolly’s appointment.