Barkly mayor Jeff McLaughlin faces new drug driving charge

The mayor of a Northern Territory regional council has been charged with driving under the influence of drugs for the second time in five months. Here’s how he will plead.

Barkly Regional Council mayor Jeff McLaughlin is facing a fresh drug driving charge after allegedly returning a positive roadside result for cannabis.

The mayor of a Northern Territory outback council has been hit with a drug driving charge for the second time in five months.

NT Police said a 42-year-old man was pulled over in Tennant Creek on Friday morning, where he returned a positive roadside test result for cannabis.

Barkly Regional Council Mayor Jeff McLaughlin told this publication he had been charged in relation to the matter.

“It was a result of a medical condition,” he said of the alleged substance.

“I’m contesting all charges.”

Barkly Regional Council Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin has been charged with drug offences. Picture: Supplied

Mr McLaughlin took several weeks of personal leave following his previous drug charges in September.

They included driving under the influence of drugs, cultivating less than a trafficable quantity of a prohibited plant, supplying less than a commercial quantity of a Schedule 2 drug, which includes cannabis, and possessing less than a commercial quantity of a Schedule 2 drug.

Deputy Mayor Dianne Stokes took over as acting mayor at the time.

“I believe that council needs to do its utmost primary role of serving the community and its people,” Mr McLaughlin said in a statement in September.

Tennant Creek is located about 990km south of Darwin. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“For me to continue in working as the public face of council through this time will detract from our work.”

Mr McLaughlin said he would not step aside as he faced the new charge.

An NT Police spokesman confirmed the man was facing one count of prohibited drug in body.

He was bailed to appear in the Alice Springs Local Court on February 27.

It is understood the charges laid in September will also be dealt with on this date.

Mr McLaughlin has held the role of mayor since September 2020, after being elected as a councillor in August 2017.

Barkly Regional Council would not comment on whether Mr McLaughlin was travelling in a council vehicle at the time of the roadside test.

“BRC’s stance it is a personal matter for the mayor and as it remains before the courts, will provide no further comment at this stage,” a council spokeswoman said.

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