A Territory Labor politician who was convicted over a fatal crash 17 years ago had his licence suspended last year for speeding multiple times, it has emerged.
Manuel Brown reportedly had his licence suspended for three months in October for racking up multiple speeding tickets in a taxpayer-funded car — a matter Opposition Leader Selena Uibo did not disclose publicly.
The NT Independent reported Mr Brown had accrued more than 12 demerits since being elected.
Mr Brown was first elected to the seat of Arafura at a 2023 by-election and was re-elected at the 2024 NT general election, and now holds several shadow ministerial portfolios.
When he was initially preselected, both Mr Brown and Territory Labor failed to disclose his conviction for driving without due care, following a crash that led to the death of a woman in Katherine in 2009.
Manuel Brown was first elected at a 2023 by-election. (ABC News: Jano Gibson)
The court handed Mr Brown a 12-month good behaviour bond over the crash, after initial charges of driving a motor vehicle causing harm or death, and not stopping at a stop sign intersection were dismissed.
After the conviction was revealed during the 2023 by-election campaign, Mr Brown said he had dedicated his life to supporting others following the crash.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Brown acknowledged the recent suspension of his licence.
“Late last year my licence was suspended for three months after accumulating demerit points,” he said.
“That was my responsibility, and I should have done better.
“As an elected representative, I know I am expected to lead by example. I am sorry I fell short of that standard.”
Government fuel transaction records show Mr Brown’s taxpayer-funded car was used extensively during the period his licence was suspended.
Mr Brown did not respond to a question about why his car was used during that period, but the ABC understands he claims it was driven by a staff member.
Uibo concedes transparency failure
In her own statement, Opposition Leader Selena Uibo said Mr Brown had disclosed his licence suspension to her at the time.
She also conceded the matter should have been declared to the media.
“I accept that whilst there was no traffic incident involved in the infringements, this should have been acknowledged publicly due to the matter involving an elected member of my team,” Ms Uibo said.
Selena Uibo has conceded Manuel Brown’s licence suspension should have been made public. (ABC News: Pete Garnish)
The opposition leader did not answer questions regarding whether Mr Brown would retain his shadow portfolios, but the ABC understands there are no plans to dump him.
The news of Mr Brown’s licence suspension comes amid internal turmoil within Territory Labor.
On Tuesday, Ms Uibo released a statement defending the culture of her office following workplace misconduct allegations against a senior staffer.
The allegations were made public after Ms Uibo declared the position of deputy leader vacant last Thursday.
Incumbent Dheran Young was subsequently defeated by newcomer Ed Smelt in a 3-2 caucus vote.
Mr Brown voted against his own Left faction to support Mr Smelt, ultimately ensuring he was elected as deputy leader.
