Labor has confirmed its candidate in the upcoming Arafura by-election was involved in a fatal car crash more than a decade ago, which resulted in him being convicted of driving without due care.
- Manuel Brown is running as Labor's candidate in the upcoming Arafura by-election
- It has emerged he was charged with driving without due care in relation to a fatal crash in Katherine in 2009
- Mr Brown says it was a "tragic accident" and he contacted authorities and rendered first aid
Tiwi man Manuel Brown was selected last month to run in the March 18 by-election, which was triggered following the sudden death of sitting Labor member Lawrence Costa in December.
In a press release announcing his candidacy last month, the party said Mr Brown had dedicated his working life to community service, but it made no mention of his prior conviction.
Following a media report about the fatal crash, the party today released a statement on behalf of Mr Brown.
"The pain I carry from this incident continues to impact me every day," Mr Brown said.
"When I was asked to run for the seat of Arafura, the first thing that entered my mind was knowing I would have to relive this tragic accident.
"But I cannot let my demons that have stayed with me from that day continue to dictate my future or what I am capable of achieving for my people."
Court records show the car crash occurred in the town of Katherine on June 19, 2009.
Mr Brown was initially charged with driving a motor vehicle causing harm or death, and not stopping at a stop sign intersection.
However, those charges were dismissed in February 2010, and he was instead released on a good behaviour bond for 12 months on the charge of driving without due care.
In his statement, Mr Brown said he was 26 years old at the time of the multi-vehicle collision.
"I pulled over, called emergency services and began rendering first aid to a woman at the scene," he said.
"She was taken to Katherine Hospital however tragically passed away later that evening."
Mr Brown said that following the accident, he had dedicated his life to supporting others through his work with organisations including the Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation, Malala Health and the Northern Land Council.
"I am a good man, a community man, who is incredibly passionate about improving the lives of Aboriginal Territorians," he said.
The electorate of Arafura extends from the Tiwi Islands to West Arnhem Land, and includes the remote communities of Gunbalanya, Jabiru, Maningrida, Pirlangimpi and Wurrumiyanga.
Labor's Lawrence Costa retained the seat in the 2020 election with a 7.3 per cent margin against his main rival, the CLP's Gibson Farmer Illortaminni.
During the campaign, it emerged Mr Illortaminni was facing a drink driving charge.
The CLP has announced Tiwi Islands Regional Council deputy mayor Leslie Tungatalum as its candidate for the March 18 by-election.