Western Australian Labor MPs have called for a Nationals MP to issue a public apology following allegations of a racist comment made during a parliamentary function. The incident occurred Monday evening while parliament was hosting a Chinese New Year event.
Parliamentary Exchange
According to reports, Nationals member for Central Wheatbelt, Lachlan Hunter, used a procedural motion to recall government members to the lower house. As those members were leaving to return to the Chinese New Year event, it is understood Mr. Hunter said, “enjoy your dim sum.” Labor MPs state Mr. Hunter was addressing the comment to their colleague, Sook Yee Lai, who was the first Australian woman of Chinese heritage to be elected to the WA parliament.
Labor’s David Michael stated that Ms. Lai took offense, believing the comment to be racist. A recording of the parliamentary session does not capture the alleged comment, but does record Education Minister Sabine Winton responding to Mr. Hunter by calling him an “arsehole.”
Conflicting Accounts and Responses
The ABC has reported, via a Labor source, that Ms. Lai, Mr. Hunter, and Speaker Stephen Price met on Wednesday, during which Mr. Hunter reportedly apologized for his comment. Ms. Winton later apologized to the Legislative Assembly for her own “unparliamentary phrase.” Mr. Hunter acknowledged making a comment “which offended some members” and withdrew the interjection, but did not offer a direct apology.
Mr. Hunter later stated the remark was not directed at Ms. Lai, explaining he told “about half a dozen MPs” leaving the chamber to “enjoy the dim sum, I’ll be there soon.” He suggested he would have said “enjoy the croissant” at a French event or “enjoy the lamb chop” at an Australia Day event.
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said Mr. Hunter had no need to apologize, stating the comment was not racially motivated and simply referred to the food being served. National Leader Shane Love stated the issue was “resolved” following a conversation between Mr. Hunter, and Ms. Lai, and that an apology had been offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the exchange in parliament?
The exchange was prompted by Nationals member Lachlan Hunter using a procedural motion to call government members back to the lower house while a Chinese New Year function was underway.
Did Lachlan Hunter apologize for his comment?
Mr. Hunter withdrew his “interjection” in parliament, but did not offer a direct apology. He stated he apologized to Ms. Lai in a private meeting, according to reports from a Labor source and confirmed by the Nationals Leader.
How did the Education Minister respond to the comment?
Education Minister Sabine Winton responded to Mr. Hunter’s comment by calling him an “arsehole,” for which she later apologized to the Legislative Assembly.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether further action will be taken or if the matter will be considered closed following the reported private conversation and parliamentary statements. Will this incident influence future interactions and sensitivities within the Western Australian parliament?
