A federal assistant minister and two Tasmanian state Labor MPs issued apologies following a complaint regarding their conduct at the Taste of Summer festival in Hobart.
The complaint, filed by a Liberal member, alleged that Assistant Minister for Women, Health and Aged Care Rebecca White, and state MPs Ella Haddad and Sarah Lovell, engaged in a game described as "shoot, shag or marry" concerning male Liberal MPs. The complainant characterized the language used as "truly disgusting," stating that it was audible to others nearby.
The discussion occurred on December 30 at the public Taste of Summer event. The complaint was made on January 5, with Ms. White, Ms. Haddad, and Ms. Lovell each providing personal apologies to the complainant on the same day.
Ms. White's apology stated, "I unreservedly apologise for offending you and appreciate you making direct contact to share your feedback." Ms. Haddad wrote, "I absolutely apologise for the offense I have caused you," and Ms. Lovell stated, "I take your comments on board and apologise for offending you and your friends."
State Labor leader Josh Willie also contacted the complainant to apologize. A Labor party spokesperson stated that they "do not accept the premise of the accusations" and denied the specific language used. Mr. Willie reiterated that apologies had been made and accepted, describing it as an "overheard private conversation" but declined to elaborate on the claims in dispute or the discussion's relation to alcohol use. Mr. Willie was present at the event but did not confirm if he was at the table during the discussion.