Posted on October 26, 2011
Minister Kenyon has been caught out in yet another embarrassing gaffe, this time gambling on a race between native sleepy lizards and publishing pictures of the event on twitter.
The Liberal Opposition understands the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is investigating the matter following complaints from several animal rights groups.
When questioned on radio about the incident Mr Kenyon said: “I was having a great time, it was awesome…” (891ABC, 24/10/11)
When challenged by a fellow tweeter saying “this is wrong” Mr Kenyon dismissed the concerns responding: “It is wrong. I lost my money. Proving even lizards can be dogs.” (Twitter, 22/10/11)
Mr Kenyon’s gaffe is the latest in a series embarrassing blunders by the Minister including:
· Making insensitive comments about his Federal colleague Finance Minister Penny Wong who is expecting a child later this year
· Claiming that the condition of our roads doesn’t contribute to road accidents
· Delivering a crude message to South Australians on election night last year
Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond said Premier Weatherill must immediately counsel his junior Minister and warn him against any further mishaps.
“It would be embarrassing for Mr Weatherill to have one of his Ministers being investigated by a Government department,” Ms Redmond said.
“Given his position as Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mr Kenyon should know where to draw the line. Animal cruelty is not sport or recreation.
“Minister Kenyon has a terrible track record of inappropriate, insensitive and unministerial behaviour and it is time Premier Weatherill stepped in.
“Premier Weatherill must be concerned that one of his Ministers is such a loose cannon. Surely Mr Kenyon’s behaviour cannot continue to go unchecked.”