Plibersek described Dutton as looking a “bit like Voldemort”,in an interview on Brisbane’s 4BC radio on Wednesday,adding he was “not the warm and friendly face of the Liberal Party”.
“I think there will be a lot of children who have watched a lot of Harry Potter films who will be very frightened of what they are seeing on TV at night,that’s for sure,” she said.
A spokesman for Plibersek said she contacted Dutton directly after the interview and offered an unreserved apology.
Dutton said the remarks were “unfortunate” and likened them to abuse he received on social media,as he discussed his leadership tilt on Sydney’s 2GB radio.
“It’s water off a duck’s back,” he said,acknowledging Plibersek’s apology. “I just don’t think you need to be nasty and mean. Point out people’s deficiencies in terms of their policies and decisions ... when you’re going for personal characteristics,that’s a different story.
“I’m not the prettiest bloke on the block but I hope that I’m going to be pretty effective.”