Coalition minister Scott Buchholz apologises after complaint by female ADF officer about ‘inappropriate’ actions

A Coalition minister has apologised after being the subject of a complaint by a female ADF officer for “inappropriate” actions.

Scott Buchholz during Question Time in the House of Representatives Chamber, Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Kym Smith

Assistant Roads Minister Scott Buchholz has apologised after being the subject of a complaint by a female Australian Defence Force Officer for “inappropriate” actions.

The Liberal National MP has admitted he “acted like an idiot” after the ABC revealed he was the subject of a formal complaint from a RAAF officer in August 2018.

Mr Buchholz told the ABC he apologised to the female officer as soon as she lodged a formal complaint.

The incident happened on a parliamentary military exchange program in Darwin when Mr Buchholz was a backbencher.

“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.”