Stephen Conroy resists calls to apologise to Lt General Angus Campbell over ‘cover-up’ claim
STEPHEN Conroy has refused to apologise for accusing a top military official of being part of a “political cover up” over border protection. The Opposition defence spokesman is under fire after levelling the remark at the Commander of Operation Sovereign Borders Lt-Gen Angus Campbell during Senate Estimates yesterday. Senator Conroy withdrew the allegation after the committee had to be adjourned, but has refused to apologise for what Prime Minister Tony Abbott has this morning labelled “a brain snap”.
Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert has called on Bill Shorten to make Senator Conroy say sorry, describing the attack as “grubby”.
“Be a man Bill Shorten and demand that Senator Conroy apologise,” he said.
“Such a man (General Campbell) should be lauded, he should be applauded and he should not have to accept the likes of Senator Conroy debasing him, slurring him.”
Mr Robert claimed the Senator could “come after (him) every single day”, but shouldn’t “demean” the military officer. Bill Shorten stood by his Minister
