Health Minister Tony Abbott was forced to deliver an apology to dying asbestos campaigner and trade union advocate Bernie Banton, after accusing him of being involved in a political stunt (see video tab above).
Banton joined the election campaign yesterday, protesting outside Abbott’s Sydney office for the drug Almita, which can prolong the lives of asbestos victims, to be added to the pharmecutical benefits scheme.
Abbot refused to front the demonstration, and last night told the Nine Network:
"Look, it was a stunt, let's be upfront about this. I know Bernie is very sick but just because a person is sick doesn't mean that he is necessarily pure of heart in all things.”
Later, Banton responded:
"What a flea. What a gutless human being. He wasn't game enough to front up and face the very people his Government is denying treatment to."
This morning, Abbott rang Banton and issued an apology.
"Yesterday some harsh things were said but today Bernie and I are mates," he told the media today.
“"He is a thoroughly decent bloke, he is very committed to helping people who are suffering from asbestos-related diseases,” Abbot said.
"It's a thoroughly admirable commitment. Obviously I shouldn't have been as dismissive as I was and I've apologised to him."
Check out what news.com.au readers are saying about Abbott’s apology here.
Later, Abbott's bad day got worse when he was half an hour late for a Health Debate with Shadow Health Minister Nicola Roxon at the National Press Club in Canberra.
When the debate ended, Abbott caused more controversy by quietly swearing at Ms Roxon after she took a swipe at his terdiness.
Ms Roxon: "You can't even get here on time."Mr Abbott: "It certainly wasn't intentional."Ms Roxon: "You can control these things, mate. I'm sure had you wanted to, you could."
Mr Abbott: "That's bullsh*t."
Watch the exchange here.
Topping off Mr Abbott's dies horrendus was the announcement that the Federal Government's takeover of the Mersey Hospital in Tasmania will be delayed.
Watch Ms Roxon debating herslef here.
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