A statement to the Sturt Federal Electorate Conference

28 Jun 2017 Media release

I’m very sorry that my comments at an event last Friday have caused such a distraction for the government.

I apologise to anyone they have offended.

My remarks were ill chosen and unwise and I can see how unhelpful and damaging they have been.

The truth is, Malcolm Turnbull runs a tight knit, traditional cabinet government that is inclusive of all strands of thought across the party.

The inclusion of the members of the Party Room has been outstanding and the team in Canberra has felt very much part of the decision making process.

The Liberal Party has long been the crucible of both liberal and conservative thought and values. That is the secret of our success and has only been enhanced in the Turnbull Government.