An Aboriginal Elder maintains that a last-minute apology for “racist” social media posts by the incoming administrator of a territory fails to resolve the issue.

Northern Territory MP Yingiya Guyula expressed doubt about the sincerity of David Connolly’s apology, urging him to decline his forthcoming appointment before the swearing-in ceremony.

Guyula criticized Connolly as the cattleman was poised to be inaugurated as the Northern Territory’s administrator—the regional equivalent of a state governor—in Darwin on Friday, amid ongoing controversy.

Calls have been made to overturn, delay, or reassess Connolly’s nomination by the NT’s Country Liberal Party government, due to his contentious posts on social media platform X.

These posts included comments on what he referred to as ‘Indigenous privilege,’ apparent ridicule of Welcome to Country ceremonies, and a repost labeling Albanese as an “arsehole.”

Connolly issued an apology late Wednesday, expressing deep regret for his posts, which were initially deleted but have since resurfaced in the media spotlight.

He said in a statement he was genuinely sorry and didn’t mean to cause offence with the posts that were “no reflection of my personal core values”.

Guyula said it would take more than a last-minute apology for people to believe Connolly was genuinely sorry.

“He has a clear record that everyone can see of being offensive,” he said in a statement to AAP.

“He was the wrong choice for the position.

“He should turn the role down. This would show he can see the damage his views have caused.”

Guyula was among dozens of politicians, advocates and community groups who signed a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese requesting he “urgently rescind” the vice-regal appointment to restore public confidence.

The NT MP also issued a personal plea to Albanese to withdraw his support for Connolly.

“He should not be sworn in and Elders on Country have the right to say he’s not welcome until he’s proven that he no longer has these racist opinions about our people,” Guyula said in the statement.

“The apology doesn’t change anything at this time.”

Guyula said if Connolly wanted to work towards a genuine apology, he could start by sitting with Elders respectfully and learning about their culture, “rather than make judgements from the outside”.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn welcomed the “full apology” after arriving in Darwin for the ceremony, saying she had spoken to Connolly to remind him of the “restraint required” in his upcoming $377,000 per-year gig.

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