Labor staffer Rhys Muldoon sacked over racist, sexist social media posts

Consensus Summary

Rhys Muldoon, a former *Play School* host and political staffer for Tasmanian Labor senator Richard Dowling, was sacked on Tuesday after a series of racist and sexist social media posts resurfaced. The posts, dating back to 2013 and 2014, included the use of the N-word, antisemitic slurs, and derogatory remarks about Indigenous senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, whom he called a ‘quisling’ for opposing the Voice to Parliament referendum. Muldoon also made sexually explicit attacks on Peta Credlin, the former chief of staff to Tony Abbott, comparing her to Margaret Thatcher and suggesting she was a ‘strap on wearing fantasy for Liberals.’ Dowling confirmed he terminated Muldoon’s contract after being alerted to the posts, calling them ‘abhorrent and unacceptable.’

The controversy stems from Muldoon’s hiring in July as a political adviser to Dowling, a role revealed by *Politico* earlier this month. Despite his long association with the Labor Party—including co-authoring a children’s book with former prime minister Kevin Rudd in 2010 and contributing to *The Best Australian Essays 2012*—Muldoon’s social media history had apparently gone unnoticed during vetting. His posts, which included claims of being ‘protected’ under Commonwealth laws while insulting critics, were widely condemned. The resurgence of these comments prompted Credlin and Price to demand explanations from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who attended Muldoon’s wedding at the Lodge last year and had previously praised his political insights.

Key figures responded swiftly to the scandal. Albanese stated he was unaware of the posts until they were reported in the media and described them as ‘completely unacceptable,’ though Credlin questioned how such remarks could have been overlooked during Muldoon’s vetting. Dowling, who had hired Muldoon for his ‘brilliant’ writing and political instincts, also distanced himself, emphasizing that ‘everyone in public life has a responsibility to do better.’ Price, who had previously faced criticism for her own comments about Indigenous Australians, called Muldoon’s remarks ‘repulsive’ and argued he had ‘no place working for the Australian government.’ Muldoon’s X account was deactivated following the backlash.

While the outlets largely agree on the core facts—Muldoon’s sacking, the nature of his posts, and the reactions from Albanese, Dowling, and Credlin—there are minor discrepancies in timing and phrasing. The *Guardian* and *SMH/The Age* describe Muldoon’s 2023 post about Price as ‘around three years ago,’ whereas the *ABC* specifies it was in 2023. Additionally, the *Guardian* places Muldoon’s use of the N-word in 2014, while the *ABC* cites 2013. These differences, however, do not alter the overall narrative of Muldoon’s offensive conduct or the political fallout.

The scandal has raised questions about Labor’s vetting processes and Albanese’s judgment in inviting Muldoon to his wedding. Credlin and Price have both criticized the prime minister for associating with someone they describe as a ‘close friend’ despite his history of inflammatory remarks. The *ABC* notes that Muldoon had largely faded from public attention until his hiring by Dowling, suggesting his political connections may have overshadowed his controversial past. As the fallout continues, the focus remains on accountability—both for Muldoon’s actions and for those who enabled his role in government despite his well-documented history of offensive behavior.