David Connolly (cattleman)
His Honour the Honourable David Connolly | |
|---|---|
| 24th Administrator of the Northern Territory | |
| Assumed office 27 February 2026 | |
| Governor General | Sam Mostyn |
| Preceded by | Hugh Heggie |
| Personal details | |
| Born | David Connolly Cunnamulla, Queensland, Australia |
| Spouse | Susan Brosnan |
David Connolly is a cattleman in the Northern Territory of Australia, he served for several years as president of the NT Cattlemen's Association and from February 2026 Administrator of the Northern Territory of Australia, the King's representative in the Territory.
History
Connolly was born in Cunnamulla, Queensland[1] and was educated at Southport School, as a boarder, and the University of Queensland, from which he graduated with an associate diploma in stock and meat inspection and a graduate diploma of agribusiness.[2]
His experience in the Northern Territory includes
- General Manager of the Tipperary Group of stations 2013–2024; his brother Bruce Connolly is manager of Tipperary Station, north of Katherine. Prior to this appointment David was general manager Thames Pastoral Co., the British owners of Tanumbirini and Forrest Hill stations, both in the NT.[3]
- President of the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association from 2020[4]
- Director of the National Farmers' Federation
- Managing director of the Northern Territory's first commercial cotton gin,[a] which opened at Katherine in 2023.[6]
Administrator of the Northern Territory
On 22 December 2025, the Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro announced Connolly as her pick for the position of NT administrator. In her press release, she said "He is a true cattleman, a sharp mind, and a respected leader whose life's work has been shaped by the land and the people who depend on it ... David will represent the Territory with integrity, clarity and a keen sense of purpose."[7]
The appointment, for a position which attracts a yearly salary of $376,640, attracted criticism on account of posts he made on the social media platform X (previously Twitter), which have since been deleted. Some posts were dismissive or contemptuous of the Commonwealth government and prime minister Anthony Albanese; others were deemed insulting to Aboriginals and women.[7] Selena Uibo, the Leader of the Opposition in the Northern Territory, questioned the Chief Minister's judgment[7] in her selection for a position which should be above party politics and non-controversial.[2]
He was sworn in on 27 February 2026 at Parliament House, Canberra, by the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn,[1] and henceforth is entitled to the honorific His Honour.
Personal life
His wife is former Olympic rower and agricultural businesswoman Susan Brosnan.
Notes
- ^ The cotton-growing industry in the Northern Territory employs rain-grown cotton, with fibre production auxiliary to the production of cottonseed meal as a stock feed. Cotton has a similar growing profile to grain sorghum,[5] for which Tipperary Station was originally developed.
References
- ^ a b "David Connolly Sworn In as 24th NT Administrator". Mirage. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ^ a b "About the Administrator". Government House, Northern Territory. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
- ^ Condon, Jon (24 June 2015). "People on the Move". Beef Central. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ^ "NTCA President David Connolly on Tipperary Station". Pioneer Water Tanks. 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ^ "Raingrown Cotton: the viable alternative" (PDF). Australian Government: Cotton Research and Development Corporation. Retrieved 28 February 2026.
- ^ "Katherine Cotton Gin opening marks a milestone for Northern Territory agriculture". Cotton Australia. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ^ a b c Garrick, Matt (24 January 2026). "David Connolly's appointment as NT administrator sees a cultural rift widen". ABC News. Retrieved 27 February 2026.