A former Labor staffer dismissed for a series of offensive social media posts remains an official Australia Day ambassador, raising questions about the taxpayer-funded program and the Prime Minister's judgment in associating with him.
Rhys Muldoon, a former Play School presenter, was sacked on Tuesday from his role with Tasmanian Senator Richard Dowling after news.com.au revealed his history of derogatory online comments targeting conservative women and others. The posts included crude sexual descriptions of broadcaster Peta Credlin and the use of the word 'quisling' to describe Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price during the Voice referendum debate.
Despite his dismissal, Mr Muldoon continues to serve as an Australia Day ambassador under a NSW scheme that describes its volunteers as 'inspirational Australians from a variety of backgrounds invited each year to speak about what it truly means to be Australian at community events across NSW.'
What did Rhys Muldoon post online?
Mr Muldoon's social media history, unearthed by news.com.au, includes multiple offensive posts. In one, he wrote that Ms Credlin was 'what Liberals think of Margaret Thatcher,' adding that 'they picture her with a strap on, pounding away at their sorry a**ses.'
He also referred to former Liberal MP Dave Sharma as a 'fake Jew' and a 'pretend Jew' in separate posts, and used a racial slur while mocking Australian free speech protections. During the 2023 Voice referendum, he described Senator Price, a Warlpiri woman who opposed the Yes vote, as a 'quisling,' a term defined as 'a traitor who collaborates with an enemy force occupying their own country.'
The word's origins trace to Vidkun Quisling, the Norwegian fascist leader executed for treason in 1945 for aiding the Nazi invasion of Norway.
How did the Prime Minister respond?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who invited Mr Muldoon to his wedding at The Lodge last year and previously followed him on X, said he was unaware of the posts. Speaking to parliament, Mr Albanese called the comments 'completely unacceptable' and said Senator Dowling's immediate action was 'appropriate.'
Senator Dowling confirmed he dismissed Mr Muldoon early Tuesday morning, stating that 'everyone in public life has a responsibility to do better when it comes to political discourse' and that 'the words used were unacceptable at any time.'
What did Peta Credlin and Jacinta Price say?
Ms Credlin told her News24 program on Tuesday night that she was 'sick of this' after years of personal attacks. She questioned why conservative women are considered 'fair game when others get defended,' and noted Mr Muldoon's close friendship with the Prime Minister.
'Now I'm all up for anyone wanting to take me on intellectually, to disagree with me about policy, to argue and debate the direction in which our country should go and who should lead it,' she said. 'But time and time again, opponents on the left have made it personal.'
Senator Price described Mr Muldoon's remarks as 'repulsive' and said they 'have no place in modern Australia.' She criticised the Prime Minister for 'handing his appallingly sexist mate a plum gig in his government,' adding that 'Australians deserve so much better than a Prime Minister who preaches about decency and transparency in public, while indulging crassness and practising cronyism in private.'
What happens next for the Australia Day ambassador program?
News.com.au has contacted Melissa Doyle, the new chair of the Australia Day Council board, for comment on Mr Muldoon's status. His profile with Claxton International Speakers describes him as one of Australia's 'most experienced and versatile MCs' and notes he has been an Australia Day Ambassador for 15 years.
Mr Muldoon previously co-authored a children's book with former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd titled Jasper and Abby and the Great Australia Day Kerfuffle. He has been contacted for comment.
Why does this matter for Australian political discourse?
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about the tone of political debate in Australia, particularly the treatment of women in public life. It also raises questions about the vetting processes for both parliamentary staffing and public ambassador roles, and about the Prime Minister's personal associations.
Senator Dowling's swift action suggests an awareness of the reputational risks involved, but the continued ambassadorial role and the Prime Minister's prior closeness to Mr Muldoon may keep this issue in the public eye.