Shadow minister says Bennelong Liberal MP’s remarks ‘could only be interpreted as offensive to people with disability’

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Liberal John Alexander has apologised for an off-colour joke he made while claiming victory in the Bennelong byelection about eligibility for a disabled parking sticker.

In an election night anecdote shared during an otherwise gracious victory speech, the Sydney Liberal referenced a back injury during his tennis career, which a doctor said could make him eligible for a disabled parking permit.

“The doctor at the time said you have eligibility for a disabled sticker. I said, I still have some pride,” Alexander told supporters at his victory function on Saturday night.

He then quipped: “That was before I entered politics.”

Australia’s former disability discrimination commissioner Graeme Innes was not amused on Saturday night. Responding to an observation from the ABC broadcaster Patricia Karvelas that the joke would not go down well, Innes replied: “No, it is definitely not”.

Graeme Innes (@Graemeinnes) No, it is definitely not. https://t.co/UvJC3EIouq

Carol Brown, the shadow disability and carers minister, said on Sunday the Liberal needed to apologise for the anecdote.

“In his victory speech last night, Liberal John Alexander made remarks that could only be interpreted as offensive to people with disability,” Brown said.

Kurt Fearnley (@kurtfearnley) I’m not one to get offended, and I’m not offended. Cause I choose not to be offended by the ignorant. But I spend my life convincing disabled kids that they are awesome. Then they hear that. You’re kidding yourself if you think that language is ok. https://t.co/av87hXYcSQ

“To suggest that Australians who require a disability parking permit have anything to be ashamed of is repugnant. It’s not funny – it’s stupid and offensive.

“If anyone should be ashamed, it is John Alexander. He should explain his comments and apologise – today”.

Alexander told reporters on Sunday he apologised in the event the anecdote had caused offence, although he said his remark had been subject to a “mischievous” interpretation.

The Liberal MP told reporters he had meant to observe that no one who wasn’t properly entitled to a disability parking permit should have one. “That is the point I was making.”

He also pointed to his local advocacy on disability.

Malcolm Turnbull said Alexander’s apology should end the matter. “John has already said that those people who were offended, he apologises”.

“John is a great Australian with a big heart,” Turnbull said on Sunday. “He respects everybody in this community, and he shows real leadership, particularly in the area of disability services.”