Minister Calls On Abbott To Apologise For Insensitive Remarks

Minister Calls on Abbott to Apologise for Insensitive Remarks

MEDIA RELEASE

16 December 2009

Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot called on Tony Abbott to immediately apologise for the insensitive remarks he made at a Liberal Party fundraiser in Sydney this morning relating to the use of kerosene baths in aged care facilities.

Responding to a question on his decision to appoint Bronwyn Bishop as Shadow Minister for Seniors, Mr Abbott said: But can I say this about that? I mean, Bronwyn stopped it- Bronwyn didn't fill the bath, Bronwyn stopped the bath being filled.

The remark was followed by an outburst of laughter.

Minister Elliot said: "Making light of a horrific incident such as the use of kerosene baths in aged care homes is despicable.

"Our older Australians built this nation. They should be treated with respect and dignity.

"Mr Abbott must apologise for this grossly insensitive remark immediately.

"He should be ashamed for his tasteless joke made at the expense of people who suffered from this appalling practice.

"It is pretty clear that Mr Abbott has little or no respect for older Australians.

"What makes it worse is not only has Mr Abbott insulted the residents involved but he has also insulted the professionalism and skills of more than 200,000 dedicated aged care workers, thousands volunteers and aged care providers who are absolutely committed to providing high quality aged care services," Minister Elliot said.

Media Contact: Kathryn Conroy 0448 249 447

TONY ABBOTT- 16 DECEMBER 2009

HOST: Now one of your key vulnerabilities as seen by some is your frontbench- headlines like 'Back to the Future', some say there is a perception it's stuck in the past, for example- Kevin Andrews is back, he oversaw WorkChoices, the Cornelia Rau affair. Bronwyn Bishop's there, she was the Minister for Aged Care during the kerosene baths debacle, there's a perception that-

ABBOTT: Sam, do you know that Bronwyn is in the audience?

HOST: Yes I am.

ABBOTT: Are you prepared to say that to her face?

HOST: Yes- good morning Bronwyn! There is a perception that-

ABBOTT: But can I say this about that? I mean, Bronwyn stopped it- Bronwyn didn't fill the bath, Bronwyn stopped the bath being filled (laughter)


SOURCE: Justine Elliot - Minister for Ageing