PREMIER Daniel Andrews has apologised personally for a fat joke about the weight of South Barwon MP Andrew Katos.
In State Parliament on Tuesday Mr Katos rose to ask a question about crime in his electorate, to which a Labor MP quipped: “We didn’t see that coming.”
Mr Andrews added: “First time anyone has said they didn’t see him coming.”
Mr Katos said he took that as a reference to his weight, an issue he has struggled with all his life.
Liberal Upper House member Inga Peulich told parliament it was regrettable in the same week a minister returned after a break for mental health issues.
“It is regrettable that attacks, which can be robust in the chamber, can be so personal and so cutting,” Ms Peulich said.
“Mr Katos is also concerned that the Premier has in the past repeatedly made comments about Mr Guy being short.
“The Premier has portrayed himself as being an advocate of diversity, but the rhetoric seems to fall short of the practice or perhaps the spirit.
“I ask that the Premier reflect on (the) provisions of the code of conduct and at very least make a prompt apology to Mr Katos as well as to Mr Guy.
“As a Premier who is putting himself as the champion and advocate of diversity, he needs to observe the standards that he sets for the broader community by making that apology.
“That would be simply the end of the matter.”
Mr Andrews later said he should not have made the remarks in parliament.
“Fair cop. I shouldn’t have said it and I apologise,” Mr Andrews told reporters.
He added he was happy to seek out Mr Katos to apologise personally.
Mr Katos said later he was asked to meet Mr Andrews at the back of the chamber, where he apologised for his remarks.
“I thank the Premier for his apology and hope he understands that preaching about respect and anti-bullying means little if he fails to lead by example,” Mr Katos said.
“I now consider the matter closed.”
