Tourettes Australia President Calls Albo’s Remark “A Punch Down”

President of Tourettes Syndrome Australia, Mandy Maysey, is doubling down on her anger at the Prime Minister who’s used the condition to mock an opponent in Parliament.

Yesterday Prime Minister Anthoney Albanese suggested shadow treasurer Angus Taylor had Tourettes Syndrome, before withdrawing the remark and apologising.

“Have you got Tourette’s or something? You know, you just sit there, babble, babble, babble,” Albanese said.

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“As Prime Minister we should hold him to a higher standard, and I understand that people make mistakes, but that’s a real punch down to be using tourettes as an insult,” Maysey said.

Maysey’s three kids have Tourettes and she told 7News it’s hit her and the community hard,

“You can’t go anywhere without people looking at you funny or even just being insulting, mimicking even when we’re out in public. It’s really quite stressing condition to have. I do feel Albanese’s apology was a bit hollow.”

Later on Tuesday, the PM apologised for the remarks in the House of Representatives.

“I made comments that were unkind and hurtful. I knew it was wrong as soon as I made the comment,” Albanese said.

“I apologised and withdrew as soon as I said it, but it shouldn’t have happened. I also want to apologise to all the Australians who suffer from this disability.

“I regret saying it. It was wrong, it was insensitive and I apologise.”

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