Albanese says Abbott went weak on Jones

1 Oct 2012, 12:02 pm   -   Source: AAP

Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese says Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's response to Alan Jones's Gillard father comments was too little, too late.

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's response to offensive comments made by Alan Jones was "pathetic", says Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese.

Mr Abbott issued a brief statement on Sunday after the veteran broadcaster's remarks that Prime Minister Julia Gillard's father died of shame were published.

"Alan's remarks regarding the PM were completely out of line," Mr Abbott said.

"It's good that he's recognised this and apologised for them."

But Mr Albanese says the response was too little too late.

"It was pathetic," he told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

"He waited `til 3 o'clock in the afternoon to put out a little two line statement.

"I don't see the word 'condemn' in there, I don't see any strong word opposing what has occurred...

"Tony Abbott has engaged in personal attacks and vilification of the prime minister that have sent a sign to people on the conservative side of politics that there's nothing too low, nothing out of bounds, nothing that goes too far in personal attacks."

Mr Jones made the comments during a speech at at a dinner organised by Sydney University's Liberal Club which included Liberal Party MPs Ray Williams, Alex Hawke and Sussan Ley.

Mr Albanese said the politicians who had been present were yet to issue a statement regarding the event.

"The whole of Australia has seen an insight into what is the modern Liberal Party," he said, adding that he would join other Labor frontbenchers in indefinitely boycotting the talkback presenter's show.

"The modern Liberal Party ... says anything goes, engages in personal abuse day in and day out, (and) is particularly strong in its abuse against women," Mr Albanese said.

John Gillard died in September aged 83 after a battle with illness.

  • Follow us: 
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Youtube