" Abbott offers apology for insensitive Brogden comments
Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott says he is willing to apologise for making insensitive comments about the former New South Wales Liberal Party leader John Brogden, if it would make people feel better.
On the ABC's Insiders program this morning, Mr Abbott admitted to making inappropriate comments about Mr Brogden at a Liberal Party branch meeting and a fund raising event.
The comments were made in the 24 hours after Mr Brogden was rushed to hospital over an apparent suicide attempt.
He has admitted to saying "I just wanted to make it clear that I have never told an inappropriate joke, I have never pinched a woman on the backside, I never make inappropriate gestures to women".
He was also asked if at another gathering, when asked a question about a health policy, he responded: "If we did that we'd be as dead as the former New South Wales Liberal leader's political prospects".
Mr Abbott said he has never claimed to be the world's most sensitive person.
"If it would make people feel better if I apologise, I'm always happy to apologise," he said.
"I don't believe in standing on my dignity."
Opposition Leader Kim Beazley says Mr Abbott's behaviour shows disrespect for his colleagues, and he should seriously consider his position.
"Australians expect their politicians to respect each other enough not to do things like this," he said.
"Tony Abbott's got to think about his position and John Howard's got to think about Tony Abbott's position as well."
The new Liberals leader in New South Wales, Peter Debnam, says he has not seen the comments in detail.
"I understand they were insensitive," he said.
"I understand they were stupid, and I understand he's apologised."
