Bennelong Labor MP Jerome Laxale snubs questions over dad’s offensive remarks

Approached at a pre-poll booth in Chatswood, the MP representing the tightest seat in the country, Jerome Laxale declined to elaborate on the homophobic remarks his father made towards a Liberal volunteer.

Labor MP Jerome Laxale has declined to answer further questions after he was forced to apologise for offensive comments made by his father on a pre-poll booth.

Approached by The Daily Telegraph in Chatswood, Mr Laxale told this masthead: “I’ve made my statement... it’s a personal matter. I wasn’t there. That’s all i’m going to add on that” before he departed.

In the video - which has circulated newsrooms in the past 24 hours - the Liberal volunteer is heard talking to Alain Laxale and referencing an allegation against the Bennelong MP from 2022. Alain Laxale responds by asking the volunteer: “Where is your boyfriend? How’s your bum, sore today?”

Jerome Laxale issued an apology on Wednesday night - saying: “I love my dad but the things he said were deeply offensive and completely unacceptable. He should not have said them.”

Jerome Laxale pictured with his father Alain. Picture: Facebook

The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, photographed in Eastwood with the Member-elect for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“I’ve spoken to him and he regrets them unreservedly and apologises for making them.” Mr Laxale said.

Tensions have been high in Bennelong, which is considered the most marginal seat in the country.

It’s understood Jerome Laxale has been taunted and followed with offensive signs when he attends certain pre-polling booths, prompting the Labor Party to make complaints to the Australian Electoral Commission.

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Originally published as Bennelong Labor MP Jerome Laxale snubs questions over dad’s offensive remarks