Labor front-line banker Penny Wong admitted she made "insensitive remarks" in exchanges with her late colleagues.
#PennyWong #deniesbullying #KimberleyKitching
Labor front-line banker Penny Wong has denied bullying her late Senate colleague Kimberley Kitching but admitted she used the word "insensitive" in her communications.
Senator Wong spoke to Nine Network's political editor Chris Ullman today following continued reports of a culture of bullying within Labour.
"No, I didn't," Senator Wong replied when asked about the bullying report.
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Labor senator and frontbencher Penny Wong has denied bullying her late colleague Kimberly Kitchen. (Nine)
She said Senator Kitchin's death - with a funeral tomorrow - was an "incalculable loss".
But Senator Wong, speaking with Senator Kitchin, admitted that she had told her, "Well, if you have kids, you can understand why there is a climate emergency."
Senator Wong admitted she used the word "insensitive" but made no attempt to attack her personally.
"My motivation is to express the pain of many children about climate change," she said.
"But I'm talking about insensitivity. I regret it. I should apologise and realize her — how it made her feel."
Senator Kitchener reportedly told senior Labour officials earlier this month that she was bullied after a suspected heart attack at the age of 52, while former MP Emma Husar said she had suffered similar treatment.
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Kimberley Kitching served in the Senate from 2016 until her death. (Alex Ellinghausen)
Senator Wong released a statement last week with Labour senators Christina Kennely and Katie Gallagher following continued reports of a culture of bullying within Labour.
"The allegations of bullying are false. Other claims that have been made are equally inaccurate," the trio said.
Senator Wong today backed up the comments and said they did not want to comment on reports of bullying out of respect for their deceased colleagues.
"Many views have been shared and some claims have been made. We issued a statement making it clear - and I'll make it clear again today - that we choose not to respond."
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has rejected calls for an investigation into the bullying allegations.
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