Gosling will not stand aside after speaking with Albanese as bail conditions varied

The federal Labor MP says he will continue serving while contesting the charges, after a Darwin court allowed him to attend functions alongside NT Administrator David Connolly under strict conditions.

Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling has declared that he will not stand aside and intends to continue serving after speaking with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as a Darwin court varied bail conditions imposed over two alleged assaults on Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly.

The Member for Solomon appeared before Judge Stephen Geary in the Darwin Local Court on Friday, one day after being arrested and charged with two counts of assault on the Administrator or judges arising from alleged incidents at the NT Grand Thai Festival on July 18.

Mr Gosling strenuously denies both allegations and has indicated that the charges will be contested.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Gosling said he had spoken with the Prime Minister and made clear that he intended to remain at work rather than relinquish his public responsibilities while the case proceeded.

“I have spoken with the Prime Minister,” Mr Gosling said.

“I’m going to contest these allegations and I will continue to serve.”

The remainder of this article—including the revised bail conditions, allegations outlined in court and political implications—is available to Inside Canberra subscribers.