ABC star Patricia Karvelas has been forced to apologise live on air after her guest used the word ‘schizophrenic’ to describe a policy.
Karvelas made the apology on Wednesday morning, just hours after Anthony Albanese apologised for mocking Tourette’s syndrome during Question Time.
‘My guest, a couple of guests ago… used the word schizophrenic in describing policy,’ Karvelas said.
‘I can understand why people are offended by [it] and then I repeated it, and then I can only apologise for myself, of course, and I do apologise for that.’
Karvelas hosts ABC radio national breakfast on weekday mornings.
The gaffe comes after the Prime Minister was called out for a comment he made during Question Time on Tuesday, while answering a question on whether Labor would tax owner-occupied family homes.
Facing interjections from shadow treasurer Angus Taylor who was repeatedly saying: ‘Rule it out,’ Mr Albanese directed his attention at the Hume MP.
‘This nonsense that they carry on with … Have you got Tourette’s or something?’ said Mr Albanese, drawing laughter from some in the chamber.
ABC star Patricia Karvelas has been forced to apologise live on air after her guest used the word ‘schizophrenic’ to describe a policy
‘You just sit there, babble babble babble.’
While Mr Albanese withdrew his comments, his remarks were immediately criticised by the Opposition and cross bench.
The PM returned to the House later on Tuesday to make an apology.
‘Today in Question Time, I made comments that were unkind and hurtful,’ he told the House.
‘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.’
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder, on the spectrum of conditions known as tic disorders.
Prime Minister Albanese has been criticised for his jibe questioning whether Liberal MP Angus Hume had Tourette syndrome. Picture: APH
