Scott Buchholz says sorry for ‘inappropriate’ hug after complaint

An unsolicited hug of a female soldier is believed to have been what led to Scott Buchholz making a public apology.

Assistant Roads Minister Scott Buchholz. Picture: Kym Smith

An unsolicited hug of a female soldier is believed to have been what led to Assistant Roads Minister Scott Buchholz having to make a public apology for acting inappropriately.

Mr Buchholz made the apology after the ABC revealed he had been the subject of a complaint by the officer for “inappropriate” actions in Darwin last year.

At the time, Mr Buchholz was a backbencher taking part in a military exchange program during Exercise Pitch Black, a multinational training mission involving the Australian and other air forces.

Earlier, Seven Network news suggested the inappropriate behaviour related to him being involved in giving the woman a hug.

It also claimed the woman was in a gender equity role in the Australian Defence Force.

Mr Buchholz’s office last night declined to comment on the claims about the hug but made no move to correct it as being wrong.

The junior federal minister had earlier told the ABC he apologised to the female officer as soon as she lodged a formal complaint.

“I behaved like an idiot on a parliamentary exchange last year and I recognise how inappropriate my actions were,” Mr Buchholz said.

“I apologised for my conduct and the offence I caused, and I reiterate my deep respect for the ADF and its members.”

Defence has said the matter was referred to the office of the Minister for Defence Personnel.

A spokesman told the ABC Defence received an apology from the parliamentarian and was satisfied with the response.

Yesterday, Nationals leader Michael McCormack said he believed the situation had been resolved after the apology.