Former prime minister Julia Gillard has apologised to Senator Nick Xenophon for a claim she made about his university days in her political memoir, My Story.
Ms Gillard tweeted on Thursday she had apologised to Senator Xenophon, after she took out a paid advertisement in some newspapers.
In the first edition of My Story, Ms Gillard alleged Senator Xenophon was temporarily excluded from university for stuffing a ballot box, The Australian reports.
"I am happy to apologise because I accept my recollection of the full details of this event was flawed," Ms Gillard said in a statement on Thursday.
"It is a pity full details of this event are not readily ascertainable by any interested person.
"Regrettably and oddly, the student newspaper archives do not hold the relevant reports on those events."
Ms Gillard said a defamation claim against her was now resolved without payment of damages.
Senator Xenophon said he was glad it was over.
"Her remarks were not only incredibly wrong, but also very hurtful," he told News Corp.
"I'm glad she agreed to the apology and I wish her well.
"Despite this disagreement, I respect her for her positive achievements.
"I'm sorry she just got this so completely wrong."
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