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.
Connolly was born in Cunnamulla, Queensland 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.
His experience in the Northern Territory includes
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."
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. Selena Uibo, the Leader of the Opposition in the Northern Territory, questioned the Chief Minister's judgment in her selection for a position which should be above party politics and non-controversial.
He was sworn in on 27 February 2026 at Parliament House, Canberra, by the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, and henceforth is entitled to the honorific His Honour.
His wife is former Olympic rower and agricultural businesswoman Susan Brosnan.