Labor Senate leader Penny Wong reveals private apology to Kimberley Kitching

Labor Senate leader Penny Wong has opened up about a private apology she made to the late Kimberley Kitching after a “deeply regrettable” sledge.

Labor Senate leader Penny Wong has revealed she privately apologised to the late Senator Kimberley Kitching over claims that she told her she would understand climate change protests better if she had children.

After a week of controversy over ugly allegations that Senator Kitching believed she was being bullied and referred to the trio of Senator Wong, deputy Senate leader Kristina Keneally and Senator Katy Gallagher as “mean girls” the three women have issued a joint statement rejecting the claims.

Two years ago, reports emerged that Senator Wong was accused of telling Senator Kitching during a discussion of school climate change protests that she would understand the issue better if she had children.

Senator Kitching, who died last week of a suspected heart attack and was unable to have children, told friends she found the remarks hurtful.

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Labor Senate leader Penny Wong has revealed she apologised to the late Kimberley Kitching after an ugly sledge during discussions about climate change. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“Senator Wong wishes to place on record a response to specific claims regarding an exchange in a meeting with Senator Kitching,’’ the statement says.

“After these matters were publicly reported more than two years ago, Senator Wong discussed the matter with Senator Kitching and apologised.

“Senator Wong understood that the apology was accepted. The comments that have been reported do not reflect Senator Wong’s views, as those who know her would understand, and she deeply regrets the pain these reports have caused.

“All three of us will be attending Senator Kitching’s funeral. This follows engagement with Senator Kitching’s family about our attendance. We will do so to recognise and respect her contribution to public life.”

News.com.au revealed on Thursday that Senator Kitching made a complaint of being bullied to a PwC consultant brought in to address parliamentary work safety. She also complained to the deputy Labor leader Richard Marles.

However, Senator Wong, Senator Kenneally and Senator Gallagher strenuously reject allegations that bullying occurred.

Senator Wong was accused of telling Senator Kitching during a discussion of school climate change protests that she would understand the issue better if she had children.

The statement makes no comment on whether an inquiry should be held into the matter.

“Given the hurtful statements that continue to be made we feel it necessary to respond,’’ the statement says.

“The allegations of bullying are untrue. Other assertions which have been made are similarly inaccurate.

“All of us have spent many years in the service of the public. We do so because we want to make a contribution to the nation.

“Politics is a challenging profession. Contests can be robust and interactions difficult. All of its participants at times act or speak in ways that can impact on others negatively. We have and do reflect on this, as individuals and as leaders.”

Until now, the women said they felt unable to respond out of respect to Senator Kitching’s family.

“This has been a difficult time for the Labor family. Senator Kitching’s tragic death has been a shock to us all. People are grieving and hurting,’’ the statement says.

“Our priority at this time has been Senator Kitching’s husband, Andrew, her family and her loved ones. Their grief is profound, their loss immeasurable.

“Out of respect for them, and for Senator Kitching, we have not responded to allegations that have been made, despite them not being true.

“This has been hard, but we believed it to be the right thing to do to maintain some dignity for all concerned.”

Originally published as Labor Senate leader Penny Wong reveals private apology to Kimberley Kitching