Albo’s grovelling apology after Tourette’s slur

Anthony Albanese has issued a grovelling apology for his “unkind and insensitive” remarks after he mocked a political opponent by suggesting he had Tourette’s syndrome.

During question time on Tuesday, Mr Albanese stopped and looked at Liberal frontbencher Angus Taylor, who was chanting: “Rule it out, rule it out” over tax changes to the family home.

The Prime Minister then asked: “Have you got Tourette’s or something? You know you just sit there, babble, babble, babble.”

The sarcastic put-down, which was broadcast nationally, sparked uproar among families grappling with the disorder and was condemned by the Coalition.

Tourette’s Syndrome is a nervous system disorder involving repetitive movements or unwanted sounds or offensive words.

It starts in childhood and while treatment can help, it can’t be cured. In some cases it can last for years or be a lifelong issue.

The Prime Minister made the sledge after NSW MP Angus Taylor asked whether Labor would rule out changes to the way owner-occupied homes are taxed.

“Apparently now we’re going after the family home. The family home. We’re going after the family home,” Mr Albanese said as he mocked the question.

“We have all of our tax policies out there, and all of the ones that they want to talk about are things that we are not doing …

“This nonsense that they carry on with.”

Liberal health spokesman Anne Ruston said on X that Mr Albanese should apologise to families living with Tourette’s for the slur.

“Mocking a disability is no laughing matter. This is absolutely despicable behaviour from @AlboMP,” she said.

“The Prime Minister must immediately apologise to the entire Tourette’s community.

“Australians living with Tourette’s deserve the PM’s respect, not his ridicule.”

Mr Albanese sought withdraw the comment on Tuesday afternoon but the damage was done.

“I withdraw. I withdraw. I withdraw and apologise,” he said.

But he has a second go at the apology to a near empty chamber on Tuesday night

“Today, in Question Time, I made comments that were unkind and hurtful,” he said.

“I knew it was wrong as soon as I made the comment. I apologised and I withdrew as soon as I said it.

“But it shouldn’t have happened. And I also want to apologise to all Australians who suffer from this disability. I regret saying it. It was wrong. It was insensitive. And I apologise.”

Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John, also slammed Mr Albanese.

“If our PM could stop using disability as the butt of his jokes that would be great. ‘Cause ableism is still ableism.,” he said.

“Disabled people deserve better and they deserve an apology.”