Peta Credlin, host of News24, has criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for inviting Rhys Muldoon, a recently dismissed Labor staffer and former Play School actor, to his wedding last year.
Muldoon was terminated from his position after offensive social media posts resurfaced in which he made inappropriate remarks about Credlin and referred to Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as a traitor.
Both Credlin and Senator Price are demanding that the Prime Minister clarify his relationship with Muldoon.
Credlin has raised concerns about how a former children’s television star, who has made sexually explicit comments targeting her, was employed by a Labor senator and later invited to the Prime Minister’s private wedding.
It is important to note that the following report contains explicit and racist language.
Rhys Muldoon, who was recently fired from Tasmanian Senator Richard Dowling’s office, had his offensive social media posts brought back into the spotlight, leading to his dismissal this week. His posts included derogatory comments about Credlin and Senator Price.
On his now-deleted X account, Muldoon made a comparison of Senator Price to a traitor and referred to Credlin using vulgar language. In one of the posts that surfaced, he analogized her to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, suggesting that Liberal supporters envision her in a disrespectful manner.
During a segment on News24, Credlin, who previously served as chief of staff to Tony Abbott, stated that while she possesses a “thick skin,” she is tired of being targeted. She questioned why strong conservative women like herself and Senator Price are often subjected to such attacks, while others are protected.
“Muldoon isn’t just a typical Labor staffer; he is a close associate of the Prime Minister,” Credlin remarked.
During a parliamentary session, Albanese stated that he was unaware of Muldoon’s posts and condemned them as “completely unacceptable.”
However, Credlin expressed skepticism regarding the Labor Party’s lack of awareness of Muldoon’s online activity. She argued that such comments were visible on his social media and should have been identified during the vetting process for his position.
“Someone must have seen these remarks and thought they could overlook them,” she suggested. “It seems that employing the Prime Minister’s close friend was deemed worthwhile despite the risks.”
Senator Dowling confirmed on Tuesday that Muldoon had been relieved of his duties. “Upon being made aware of the offensive tweets from my staffer, I decided to terminate his casual contract,” he stated. “Everyone in public life has a duty to engage more responsibly in political discourse. The language used was unacceptable at all times.”
Muldoon, who had previously been a notable figure during Kevin Rudd’s term as Prime Minister and appeared on various ABC programs, had largely been out of the spotlight until Dowling’s hiring decision drew attention.
News Corp reported that Muldoon had made several offensive comments on social media, including a post that contained derogatory language aimed at Jewish individuals. In another 2023 post, he labeled Senator Price a “quisling” amid discussions regarding the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, referencing a historical figure known for collaborating with Nazi Germany.
With a longstanding connection to the Labor Party, Muldoon co-authored a children’s book with Rudd in 2010. Both individuals have been approached for comments on the recent developments.
In addition to his role on Play School, Muldoon has appeared in various ABC dramas, including Goolagong, Bay of Fires, and Rake. He also contributed to The Drum, a political program on ABC that aired from 2010 to 2023.
Approximately 70 guests attended the Prime Minister’s wedding at the Lodge last year.
Senator Price remarked that Muldoon’s presence at the wedding indicated that he is “not just an ordinary Labor staffer.” She emphasized that his close friendship with the Prime Minister is evident, stating, “Muldoon’s comments reveal the kind of individuals the Prime Minister associates with.”
