Footage confirms David Connolly was involved in 2023 conference incident, says community independent candidate Community independent candidate for Nightcliff Phil Scott has confirmed that the man who physically pushed him and threw water on him during an incident at the 2023 Developing Northern Australia Conference was David Connolly, the incoming Northern Territory Administrator.
Mr Scott confirmed Mr Connolly’s identity in response to questions from journalists, after footage of the incident — which has been publicly available — was reviewed in the context of current public concern about standards of conduct and accountability in government.
“I’ve been asked whether the person in the footage was David Connolly and I’ve confirmed that it was.”
Mr Scott attended the conference as a paying delegate and, after being given the microphone by the MC, briefly addressed the audience to highlight the lack of representation of small business, children, young people and community, health and social services in discussions of “development”. Mr Connolly approached Mr Scott from behind whilst he was speaking, and the footage shows him pushing Mr Scott across the stage and later (out of shot) throwing water on him.
“I made no physical contact with anyone other than a handshake with Mr Connolly before speaking,” Mr Scott said.
Mr Scott said the appointed administrator, Chief Minister and Prime Minister must answer questions about the conduct and standards we expect of those appointed to senior public office. “The Administrator occupies a role that is meant to embody restraint, dignity and respect for democratic process and promote social cohesion,” he said.
“When questions arise about conduct, it’s appropriate that they are examined calmly and transparently.”
Mr Scott said the footage may be confronting to watch and believed it should be assessed alongside broader community concerns about bullying, intimidation and behaviour in parliament and public life by those in power.
“This is not about me,” he said.
“It’s about whether the standards Territorians expect of their representatives are being upheld.” Mr Scott noted that the appointment of the Administrator is made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, following recommendations from the Northern Territory Government and urges the Prime Minister to reconsider whether this man is fit for public office.
“I believe decision-makers owe the public a clear explanation of how concerns about conduct are weighed when making appointments to roles of this significance,” he said.
Mr Scott said he would continue to answer questions from journalists and provide context where requested.
