A federal government minister says he "behaved like an idiot" and has apologised to a female defence officer who reportedly formally complained about his behaviour.
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The RAAF member lodged a complaint about Assistant Minister for Roads and Transport Scott Buchholz's conduct, the ABC reported on Thursday.
"I behaved like an idiot on a parliamentary exchange last year and I recognise how inappropriate my actions were," the minister said.
"I apologised for my conduct and the offence I caused, and I reiterate my deep respect for the ADF and its members."
Seven News reported the incident involved an unsolicited hug and the RAAF member had a gender equality role in the ADF.
The incident is understood to have occurred in August last year in Darwin, before Mr Buchholz was promoted to the frontbench by the prime minister.
The Department of Defence is reportedly satisfied with an apology Mr Buchholz made to the department.
Despite not knowing what Mr Buchholz had done to receive a complaint, Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says he's done the right thing by apologising.
"He's issued an apology, that seems appropriate in the circumstances and he's issued it without reservation and I think that's a positive thing," Mr Dutton told reporters in Brisbane.
Nationals leader Michael McCormack said he had only heard about the claim on Thursday, but was aware Mr Buchholz had now apologised.
"As far as I'm concerned the situation has been resolved," Mr McCormack said.
Australian Associated Press
