Federal Labor MP Luke Gosling has been charged with assaulting the Northern Territory administrator, according to SMH.com.au. Despite the charges, Gosling has kept his role as a special envoy for the time being.
The charges stem from an alleged incident involving the NT administrator, a position that represents the Australian head of state in the territory. SMH.com.au reports that Gosling described the situation as a “strange morning” in comments following the news.
Multiple Australian outlets have covered the case. ABC News reported that a shadow minister has called for the federal MP to step down over the charges. The Guardian confirmed that Gosling was charged with assaulting the administrator. The Australian Financial Review noted that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces pressure to stand the Labor MP aside while the legal process unfolds.
Gosling has not yet indicated whether he will voluntarily step away from his envoy duties. The case is expected to draw further political attention as the legal proceedings develop.
