Minister apologises for ‘idiot’ behaviour towards female officer
UPDATED | A Federal Government minister says he “behaved like an idiot” and has apologised to a female defence officer who reportedly formally complained about his behaviour.
Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport Scott Buchholz. Photo: AAP/Mick Tsikas
The RAAF member lodged a complaint about Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport Scott Buchholz’s conduct, the ABC reported today.
“I behaved like an idiot on a parliamentary exchange last year and I recognise how inappropriate my actions were,” the minister said.
“I apologised for my conduct and the offence I caused, and I reiterate my deep respect for the ADF and its members.”
Seven News reported the incident involved an unsolicited hug and the RAAF member had a gender equality role in the ADF.
The incident is understood to have occurred in August last year in Darwin, before Buchholz was promoted to the frontbench by the prime minister.
The Department of Defence is reportedly satisfied with an apology Buchholz made to the department.
Despite not knowing what Buchholz had done to receive a complaint, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says he’s done the right thing by apologising.
“He’s issued an apology, that seems appropriate in the circumstances and he’s issued it without reservation and I think that’s a positive thing,” Dutton told reporters in Brisbane.
– AAP
