Bail breach charge withdrawn against Labor MP Luke Gosling

In Darwin Local Court, prosecutor Jo Poole dismissed the accusation that Labor MP Luke Gosling breached his bail terms, providing no public reason for the decision. Gosling, the federal member for Solomon, continues to be charged with two assaults on Northern Territory Administrator David Connolly, an incident said to have taken place during the NT Thailand Grand Festival on July 18. After the original bail-breach charge in August, Gosling stepped aside from his role as special envoy for defence, veterans' affairs and Northern Australia.

His counsel, Marty Aust, has signaled intent to challenge the assault allegations, which will be revisited in court on November 25. Prominent barrister Sophie Callan SC is representing the NT Director of Public Prosecutions after the Commonwealth DPP declined involvement. Under his bail conditions, Gosling must stay at least 50 metres from Government House and give 48 hours’ notice before attending any event where he might encounter the administrator.