Kath and Kim star Peter Rowsthorn stuns lunch with awkward Vincent Tarzia resignation joke
Kath and Kim star Peter Rowsthorn has apologised for making an awkward joke about Vincent Tarzia at a luncheon on the day the SA Liberal leader resigned.
A luncheon on the day former Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia announced his resignation turned awkward when Kath and Kim actor Peter Rowsthorn jokingly called him the “leader of not much at the moment.”
Mr Tarzia who attended the Property Council lunch on Friday, not long after the announcement of his resignation as the leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, was met with a painful gag at his expense.
Video shows actor Mr Rowsthorn, who played Brett Craig in beloved sitcom Kath and Kim, on stage introducing the attendees at the event — before taking a bold dig at the former Opposition leader.
“Honourable Nat Cook MP, Minister for Seniors and Ageing … and Ageing Well … gobble gobble,” he said, chuckling at himself for the mistitle as the crowd laughed.
Mr Rowsthorn continued, “Honourable Vincent Tarzia, leader of …” before pausing while stray laughs were heard.
“Leader of not much at the moment,” he said.
“He resigned today, did you know?
“It’s true, I’m sorry I thought it was going to be a little joke which ended up being quite offensive, I apologise.”
The audience seemed unsure how to react, with some were heard groaning while others chuckled at the joke.
Property Council executive director Bruce Djite noted how half the room were unaware of the news yet, explaining the shock.
“ (Tarzia) showed some real courage to come to the lunch,” Mr Djite said, despite the scrutiny and messages.
Mr Djite said he found the joke made by Mr Rowsthorn “borderline inappropriate”.
“Everyone was so surprised when they heard it, half the room didn’t even know yet,” he said.
Vincent Tarzia announced his resignation as South Australian Opposition leader on Friday in an exclusive statement to The Advertiser “to focus on his young family and his local community”.
“I look forward to continuing to represent the electorate of Hartley and I wish my party colleagues and supporters all the best,” Mr Tarzia said.
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