Health Minister Greg Hunt, Human Services Minister Alan Tudge and Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar unreservedly apologised to the Victorian Court of Appeal on Friday, with the court accepting the ministers had acknowledged their contempt.
"I don't see on the face of what I've seen from the court decision, that (Mr Turnbull) has any option other than to (sack them)," opposition frontbencher Tony Burke told ABC TV on Sunday.
The trio, who were not in court on Friday, said in a statement through their barrister Stephen Donaghue QC they apologised for their critical remarks and language used in an article in The Australian newspaper on June 13, where they accused the Victorian judiciary of being soft on terrorism.
"We offer that apology now," Mr Donaghue said on Friday.
"It was never our intention to influence the court."
Victorian Supreme Court Chief Justice Marilyn Warren said there is a strong case of contempt against the three ministers, and their full and unreserved apologies were not made at the earliest opportunity.
"The delay is most regrettable and aggravated the contempt," she said.
She said but for the apologies and retractions by the ministers and The Australian newspaper, the court would have referred the parties for contempt charges.
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