Treasurer Peter Gutwein has apologised for a comment he made in Parliament this week, suggesting the opposition Treasurer had post traumatic stress disorder.
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Mr Gutwein came under fire from the Health and Community Services Union, with state secretary Tim Jacobson saying using the condition for “comical repartee” was disrespectful to people who suffered from PTSD.
“I certainly meant no offence by that comment,” Mr Gutwein said on Saturday.
“I shouldn’t have said it. It was said in the heat of the moment and I apologise for it.”
The comment was made during question time on Thursday when Mr Gutwein suggested opposition Treasurer Scott Bacon was suffering PTSD.
“HACSU represents health workers across all sectors in Tasmania,” Mr Jacobson said.
“We have members who, due to the nature of their work, are exposed to trauma and sometimes, unfortunately, they develop PTSD.
“This is not something that should be joked about. For our members afflicted, this disease is debilitating and restricts their personal and professional relationships.”