Скачать или смотреть ‘I’m not going to apologise’: Jane Hume insists comment about ‘the regions’ was a joke

Deputy Opposition Leader Jane Hume has pushed back against criticism over her comments about “the regions” last year and insisted they were a “joke” at the expense of her Nationals colleagues.

In October, Ms Hume appeared on Sunrise, where she was asked if she would be joining the National Party.

“And I'd have to speak a lot slower and talk about the regions more often down in Cocky's Corner,” Ms Hume said.

“But look, no, to be honest, I am too fond of good coffee and free markets to join the National Party.”

Ms Hume was asked by Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell about whether she could see why her comments were being “heavily weaponised” against her by One Nation.

“I'm not going to apologise for having a sense of humour,” Ms Hume said.

“I always find it extraordinary that the public and the media accuse politicians of being inauthentic and then the moment they crack a joke, then all of a sudden, they're accused of misstep or bad taste or putting their foot in their mouths.

“Look, should I have rethought it? Of course, maybe. You know, it was a joke against my National Party colleagues, and my National Party colleagues took it at face value and in good faith.”