A high-profile federal Labor MP and two of her Tasmanian colleagues have apologised following claims of an allegedly crude conversation overheard by a Liberal Party member, The Australian reports.
Federal assistant health minister Rebecca White was attending Hobart’s Taste of Summer festival with state MPs Ella Haddad and Sarah Lovell when a festival-goer alleged the group was playing a game of “shoot, shag, marry,” ranking the desirability of various Liberal MPs.
The Labor Party has disputed the accuracy of the description of the language reportedly used during the conversation.
All three MPs issued apologies on January 5, the same day the complaint was lodged. Ms White wrote: “I unreservedly apologise for offending you and appreciate you making direct contact to share your feedback.” Her office confirmed the apology had been accepted.
Ms White, a former Tasmanian opposition leader, is considered an emerging talent in the Labor Party. She won the federal seat of Lyons at last year’s election and was subsequently appointed assistant minister.
State MP Ella Haddad, Tasmania’s shadow attorney-general, also apologised. “I hope you were able to nevertheless enjoy your day at the Taste and I’m sorry for my part in disturbing it,” she wrote.
Labor health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell similarly expressed regret. “I take your comments on board and apologise for offending you and your friends. I hope I didn’t ruin your afternoon entirely and you were able to otherwise enjoy the afternoon,” she said.
A Labor Party spokesperson rejected the “premise of the accusation” and the specific language attributed to the MPs. “This matter relates to a private conversation that was overheard by a member of the public at a crowded event. We do not accept the premise of the accusations as they have been characterised and reject the specific language that has been attributed. We will not be commenting further as legal options in relation to defamation are being considered,” the statement read.
The incident has attracted national attention, highlighting the scrutiny public figures face even during casual, off-duty interactions, and raising questions about political conduct at public events.
