Luke Gosling retains special envoy role despite assault charges

Labor MP Luke Gosling, the member for the Northern Territory seat of Solomon, has been charged with two counts of assault against NT Administrator David Connolly following an incident at the NT Thailand Grand Festival in Darwin on 18 July. Gosling, who serves as the government's special envoy for defence, veterans’ affairs and northern Australia, denied the allegations and said he will contest the case in court.

Health Minister Mark Butler defended the decision not to suspend Gosling, stating that backbenchers are not required to stand aside when charged, unlike ministers. The opposition, led by Liberal deputy leader Jane Hume, criticised the move as inconsistent with the government's previous calls for ministers to step down under investigation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was on leave at the time. Gosling has been barred from approaching within 50 metres of the NT Government House and must give 48 hours' notice before attending any official events.