Scott Morrison must apologise for ‘gaslighting’ Christine Holgate: Ben Fordham

Radio host Ben Fordham has urged Scott Morrison to apologise for his role in “gaslighting” a high-flying woman.

Radio host Ben Fordham has called on Scott Morrison to apologise for “gaslighting” former Australia Post boss Christine Holgate.

Addressing his 2GB listeners on Friday, Mr Fordham was perplexed as to why an apology had not already occurred.

“You owe Christine Holgate an apology. I don't understand why he wouldn’t make that phone call to Christine Holgate,” Mr Fordham said.

“It's never too late to say sorry.”

Radio host Ben Fordham says it’s time Scott Morrison apologised to Ms Holgate. Photo by Gaye Gerard/ Daily Telegraph

The Prime Minister called for Ms Holgate to stand down after it was revealed she gifted four senior managers Cartier watches valued at $20,000.

She stood aside but later said she was bullied out of her role with the taxpayer-owned business.

Last August, Australia Post paid its former boss $1 million plus legal fees in a settlement with Ms Holgate.

In an address to the CEO Magazine’s Executive of the Year Awards ceremony on Thursday evening, an honour she was bestowed in 2015, the now Toll Global Express boss said she became the victim of “cynical politics”.

“I will be honest with you, this was the lowest point in my career. I've openly spoken about how I felt, how I didn’t have the will to live. How I became frustrated, and I could not see the light anymore,” she said.

In an address to an awards dinner on Thursday, Ms Holgate said she considered suicide following the saga. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

She also recalled the day she was told a Senate inquiry had cleared her of any wrongdoing in the saga.

“I can't begin to tell you how important that day was for me,” Ms Holgate said.

Mr Fordham said it’s time Mr Morrison owned up to his mistake of turning the executive into “political roadkill”.

“Christine Holgate was thrown under the bus,” he told listeners.

“The Prime Minister should reflect on the way he handled Christine Holgate. And instead of gaslighting her, he should call her.

“It's a pretty simple conversation PM, you need to say sorry. That’s what leaders do when they make mistakes.”