Premier defends minister over controversial comment

The Premier has been forced to defend his Consumer Affairs Minister after she advised people not to open the door to anybody with an Irish accent.

Marlene Kairouz was launching an awareness campaign this week surrounding dodgy door-to-door tradesmen when she said people should “automatically ask them to leave” if a doorknocker spoke with an Irish accent.

That statement has since been picked up by sections of the Irish media, with the comment described as “pure racism” by one person.

Daniel Andrews said it was a mistake.

“I think it’s fair to say the minister misspoke, didn’t mean any offence and has apologised accordingly,” he said.

“That, from my point of view, would be the end of the matter.”