'I still have some pride': John Alexander offends with joke in victory speech
While the Turnbull Government are celebrating this weekend after winning the crucial Bennelong by-election, people were left unimpressed by a comment MP John Alexander made in his victory speech speech.
In what has been described as "an unusual and awkward moment", Alexander shocked audiences with a bizarre joke about the disabled.
Reflecting on his career as a tennis player Alexander mentioned that when he suffered a back injury his doctor offered him the use of a disability sticker.
“I was eligible for the disabled sticker on my car! The doctor at the time said, ‘You have eligibility for a disabled sticker.’ I said, ‘I still have some pride.’ That was before I entered politics," he said.
Social media users were baffled by the statement, with many labelling the comments "disrespectful".
"The doctor suggested I apply for a disability sticker and I said 'no! I still have my pride' - @JAforBennelong
Those who use the ACROD card (like me) have nothing to be ashamed of. Those who peddle the idea that disability=weakness, do.
Apologize. Now.#BennelongVotes #auspol— Senator Jordon Steele-John (@Jordonsteele) December 16, 2017
You know why I’m angry because he’s making a joke about disability sticker & yet someone i know is being put through such a hard time because they have to prove to the stupid government they have a disability to get the DSP. Its disgraceful #auspol #BennelongVotes #JohnAlexander
— Guy 🏳️🌈🎗 (@greysfan) December 16, 2017
#JohnAlexander is an absolute grub. Poking fun at disabled people 😡 such a disgrace of a human being. He should never of been allowed to recontest. #BennelongVotes #auspol
— Guy 🏳️🌈🎗 (@greysfan) December 16, 2017
Did john alexander just crap on all people with disable stickers, they may have some pride. @KKeneally @PMOnAir @AustralianLabor #BennelongVotes
— Cannonball (@CannonBall_____) December 16, 2017
After John Alexander's disabled joke I can see why he had a minder every day to stop him speaking out loud near a camera.
— Jill (@Havingmysay2) December 16, 2017
John Alexander’s disgraceful comment about disabled person’s permits was incredibly offensive and what happens when a washed up athlete tries to regale the crowd. Muppet. #BennelongVotes
— Gray Connolly (@GrayConnolly) December 16, 2017
‘I still have some pride’ ? John Alexander is privileged and that comment is massively disrespectful to ppl who need that sticker... 😤
— Tysan Towney (@tysantowney) December 16, 2017
#JohnAlexander said he has too much pride to get a Disabled permit!! I'm disabled and found that extremely offensive and upsetting. #Bennalong #AusPol @TurnbullMalcolm #pathetic
— Seenbrighterdays (@Seenbrighterda1) December 16, 2017
Veteran news reader Ron Wilson told Weekend Sunrise "when it comes to judgement, lessons are hard to learn".
"This is a very difficult situation and a major error on his part," he said.
"It shows his filter just isn't working right and when you're in the public and representing an electorate of thousands of people it's really important that you get this right.
"I think you're getting a really good view of what [Alexander] is all about and you need to be a little bit careful."
