‘Rush of blood to the head’: Minns accepts apology from f-bomb MP

Premier Chris Minns has accepted the apology of a Labor MP who swore at a Nationals MPs in front of primary school children that he had been escorting around Parliament House.

Premier Chris Minns has accepted the apology of a Labor MP who told a Nationals MP to “f*** off back to the bush”, while he had been escorting a group of Catholic primary school children around Parliament House last week.

The Daily Telegraph revealed on Thursday that Prospect MP Hugh McDermott made the comment to Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson when he had entered the Parliament House lift.

Mr McDermott said he apologised to the children for his comments at the time and reiterated his apology on Monday.

“I’m very apologetic and I’m sorry that I said something like that,” he said.

“I’m told by the teachers that the kids heard nothing but … that language is inappropriate and I’m sorry for doing it.”

Premier Chris Minns with Prospect MP Hugh McDermott. Photo Jeremy Piper

The Premier said on Monday he had accepted the Labor MP’s apology.

“Hugh’s made it really clear that was the wrong thing to say. He’s apologised for it both today and previously,” he said.

“I’ve accepted Hugh’s apology – I think it’s sincere and we all know Hugh, his colleagues know him, he’s a passionate person and you can see his dedication.

“I understand in some circumstances politicians run around the place like they own the joint but the truth is that language is never acceptable.

“Sometimes there’s a rush of blood to the head but he always goes in with good intentions – he’s got a big heart and cares deeply about his community.”

Mr McDermott previously said he had made the comment due to Mr Anderson “pushing in front of the kids” when they tried to get into the lift, however, Mr Anderson said he never heard the comment. Instead it was a Liberal staffer who had been in the room who lodged a formal complaint to the Speaker about the incident.

Originally published as ‘Rush of blood to the head’: Minns accepts apology from f-bomb MP