Luke Gosling steps aside as Special Envoy following bail breach charge

Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling has announced he will temporarily step aside from his roles as Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia. The decision follows a new charge alleging he breached bail conditions on August 14.

Mr Gosling is currently awaiting court proceedings regarding two alleged assaults involving Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly, which reportedly occurred during the NT Thailand Grand Festival in July. His existing bail conditions required him to maintain specific distances from the Administrator and Government House.

In a statement, Mr Gosling “categorically deny all the allegations made against me” and noted that he is stepping down to avoid the distraction the media attention is causing to the business of government. He is scheduled to appear in Darwin Local Court on September 30.