New South Wales MP Darren Webber has apologised for addressing a female transgender journalist by a male name.
Webber, who represents the electorate of Wyong on NSW’s central coast, posted an image highlighting the salaries of journalists at the ABC.
Sean Nicholls, the Sydney Morning Herald’s State Political Editor commented that Webber was hardly in a position to criticize ABC journalists salary.
In 2014 Webber resigned from the Liberal party when it was announced that NSW’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) would investigate allegations that the MP had solicited funds from supporters in return for political favours.
The MP and journalist volleyed a few tweets back and forth arguing about the upcoming ICAC report.
When independent journalist Kate Doak joined the online conversation the MP tweeted back an comment addressing the journalist by a male name.
“Oh, ***** is joining in now”, Webber tweeted.
While many people were quick to admonish Webber for his comment he persevered for several more tweets posting that he was always available to discuss “the truth”.
Sydney Morning Herald’s investigative journalist Kate McClymont called on the member of parliament to apologise to Doak, something he did three hours after his offensive tweet was posted.
Shortly afterwards it appeared that the politician had closed his account.
Doak posted that she accepted the apology but encouraged the MP to watch the short film ‘In My Shoes’. The film that Doak helped create highlights the experiences of transgender people.
The film was created by The Gender Centre and the Transgender Anti-Violence Project. Watch it below.
Graeme Watson Image: Darren Webber’s former Twitter image. Both Kate Doak and Darren Webber were contacted for comment.
