Pmrefuses apology to Holgate

Scott Morrison has refused to offer former Australia Post chief executive Christine Holgate an apology after she accused him of bullying.

The primeminister said he did not believe there was a reason to call Holgate and apologise.

Morrison claimed her treatment had ‘‘nothing to do with gender’’.

Holgate left her position in October after it was revealed she gifted luxury watches to four senior executives as a reward for securing a major contract.

At the time, the prime minister told parliament he was appalled by the purchases and if Holgate did not resign she could go.

‘‘Parliament can get very willing and on that occasion my language was very strong and I do regret any distress that would have caused to Ms Holgate,’’ he said yesterday.

Holgate said it was one of the worst acts of bullying she had ever witnessed.

Greens senator Sarah HansonYoung, who is chairing an inquiry into Australia Post, said the prime minister should phone Holgate and apologise. –