The ABC brings word of the Government Whip John Hargreaves resigning as whip after the Liberals’ humourless Alistair Coe decided now was a good time to take offence about a note passed 18 months ago:
Mr Hargreaves says it has been suggested by Mr Coe that he had intended the note as a homophobic slur against Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
“The note was in poor taste and referred to the mountain bike race at Stromlo Park. It has been suggested by Mr Coe that I intended it as a gay slur and as a slur against the Deputy Chief Minister,” he said.
“I need the record to show that I reject Mr Coe’s premise regarding the note I have a record going back decades in which I have championed the cause of gays and lesbians in this town.”
Mr Hargreaves says he has resigned as whip to spare the government any political damage.